Pollution Identification and Correction

Public Works | Natural Resources Division

The Skagit County PIC Program works to find and fix sources of fecal coliform and E. coli pollution brought by runoff into our rivers, creeks and bays.

We started the program in 2010, focusing on the area that drains into Samish Bay. In 2015, we expanded to the area that drains into Padilla Bay. Many years of effort have resulted in improved water quality in both areas, but there is still more work to do to meet state water quality standards.

What are fecal coliform and E. coli, and how do they get into the water?

Fecal coliform are a class of bacteria found in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals. Some of the types of bacteria that fall into the fecal coliform class can cause illness in humans and other animals. One of those types of bacteria is Escherichia coli, or E. coli for short.

There are two ways fecal coliform and E. coli get into the water. One is when poop is released directly into the water, such as when a failing septic system leaks into a nearby creek. Another is when rain falls on poop left on the landscape from dogs, farm animals, humans, or wildlife. Rainwater picks up that poop and carries it into the nearest waterway.

When fecal coliform and E. coli are found in high numbers in our creeks, rivers, lakes, and bays, people who swim, wade, or eat shellfish from these waters can get sick.

A bacteria lab test shows blue dots where E. coli colonies have grown

Each blue dot on the card is a colony of E. coli bacteria

How do we find pollution problems?

The most common ways we find pollution problems are by field observations and water quality sampling. When our water quality monitoring program or other organizations find water quality problems, we sample upstream until we find a source. Sometimes other agencies or members of the public report concerns to us.

A young mustang lays in the grass with a shelter behind him.

During a windshield survey, we look for signs of muddy or overgrazed pastures, accumulated dog poop or manure, failed septic systems, and more.

How do we improve water quality?

The bacteria polluting our waterways comes from many different sources including septic systems, farms, our pets, and wildlife. Because there are many sources, many different solutions are required to make our waterways safe.

A fluffy black and white puppy is lying on the grass next to a bright green bag of dog poop.

Dog poop: scoop it, bag it, and trash it!

Dog poop is a major pollutant in our waters. Scoop the poop in yards, and in natural areas. Bag it, and place it in the trash.

A man leans down to unscrew a green septic tank lid.

Inspect septic systems regularly

Regular septic system maintenance finds small problems before they get big and expensive. Rebate and loan programs are available to help with the cost of inspections and repairs.

A light tan colored cow looks through a barbed wire fence with the sunset in the background

Use best management practices (BMPs) on farms

Collect and store manure. Reduce mud. Fence animals out of streams and ditches. Use pasture management to reduce compaction and weeds. Learn more from the Skagit Conservation District.

A split photo with a sailboat on still waters on the left and an RV next to a waterway on the right

Dump sewage at dump stations

Sewage from RVs and boats harms wildlife, spreads disease, and can close beaches and shellfish growing areas. Always empty boat and RV sewage tanks into designated pump stations. Find boat dump stations at Pumpout Washington and RV dump stations online.

Three adorable raccoons look at the camera while standing in a shallow plastic saucer

Let wildlife find their own food

Feeding wildlife like raccoons and deer creates an unnatural concentration of animals and their poop. Wild animals can lose their fear of humans which can lead to tragic results when they encounter other people, pets, or cars. Donate or compost excess produce from fruit trees or gardens.