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Thurston County, Washington

The content on the Thurston County website is currently provided in English. We are providing the “Translation” for approximately 10 languages. The goal of the translation is to provide visitors with limited English proficiency to access information on the website in other languages. The translations do not translate all types of documents, and it may not give you an exact translation all the time. The translations are made through an automated process, which may not result in accurate or precise translations, particularly of technical and legal terminology.

Community Planning and Economic Development

Learn How We Manage Our Local Waters

We lead projects to measure, monitor and improve water quality in the many streams and rivers that drain into Puget Sound. Because water flows across geographical and political boundaries, water areas are identified not by county or city, but by a common point to which they drain. These water areas are called watersheds and basins.  Watershed and basin studies help Thurston County government identify specific projects that can reduce the amount of pollution in water, and lessen the effects of polluted runoff on area drinking water aquifers, and on frog, fish and shellfish habitat. The County's pollution reduction activities are mandated and monitored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and by the Washington State Legislature.  Find details on the Stormwater Management Program page.