Water quality volunteers work in pairs at eight sites along Hylebos Creek. They collect monthly water samples, measuring dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature,  nitrate, ammonia, phosphorous and turbidity, then submit the results to the Friends.  While out in the field, volunteers also collect valuable stream and habitat field observation data, including water color, clarity and odor, weather conditions and site characteristics. Water quality monitors can spot problems and alert the Friends to urgent stream health issues.

The Friends assesses water quality data using the Washington State water quality standards and EPA water quality criteria for aquatic life and human health. Water quality reports are published annually and provided to interested individuals and local decision makers.

The goal of the Hylebos Stream Team monitoring program is  to provide a measure of current  conditions as well as long-term trends in the  Hylebos watershed.  Volunteer data is used along with data collection efforts by local agencies, to assess the ongoing health of Hylebos Creek. 

For more information about water quality monitoring contact Restoration Coordinator Hillary Kleeb.

Here is our past water quality data