thumbnail

The Pacific northwest stream quality assessment

Fact Sheet 2015-3020
National Water-Quality Assessment Program
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20153020

Links

Abstract

In 2015, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program is assessing stream quality in the Pacific Northwest. The goals of the Pacific Northwest Stream Quality Assessment (Pacific Northwest study) are to assess the quality of streams in the region by characterizing multiple water-quality factors that are stressors to aquatic life and to evaluate the relation between these stressors and biological communities. The effects of urbanization and agriculture on stream quality for the Puget Lowlands and Willamette Valley are the focus of this regional study. Findings will provide the public and policymakers with information regarding which human and environmental factors are the most critical in affecting stream quality and, thus, provide insights about possible approaches to protect or improve the health of streams in the region.

The Pacific Northwest study will be the third regional study by the NAWQA program, and it will be of similar design and scope as the first two—the Midwest in 2013 and the Southeast in 2014 (Van Metre and others, 2012, 2014).

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title The Pacific northwest stream quality assessment
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2015-3020
DOI 10.3133/fs20153020
Year Published 2015
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Description 2 p.
Public Comments National Water-Quality Assessment Program
Country United States
State Oregon, Washington
Other Geospatial Pacific Northwest, Puget Lowlands, Willamette Valley
Datum World Geodetic System of 1984
Projection Web Mercator Projection
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details