WSU Extension’s research-based publications and workshops offer practical guidance for protecting natural resources associated with streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, estuaries and marine waters.
Learn About Our Water Resources
Use the links below and on the right to access resources on Washington’s water, including publications & resources, training opportunities, partners, research programs, and watershed management.
- Septic Systems
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Septic Systems
Properly maintaining your septic system is one of the most important ways rural homeowners can protect local water bodies. Check out up-to-date resources, find contact information for Mason County’s approved service providers, and sign register for our ‘Be Septic Smart’ workshops!
- Low Impact Development & Rain Gardens
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Low Impact Development & Rain Gardens
Low Impact Development (LID) techniques mimic nature and improve our communities by reducing flooding and filtering pollution from stormwater. Techniques include pervious paving, rain water harvesting and storage, green roofs, and rain gardens.
Beautiful and functional, rain gardens are built to capture and filter runoff from impervious services (pavement, roofs, etc.). In these gardens, storm-water slowly infiltrates into the ground; there, it is filtered by the gardens’ plants, bacteria and fungi rather than running directly into nearby water bodies.
- Shoreline Living and Shoreline Stewards
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Shoreline Living and the Shoreline Stewards Program
The WSU Shore Stewards program provides 10 guidelines and other resources for living on or near waters of the Salish Sea regions, including Puget Sound, Strait of Juan de Fuca, Strait of Georgia, and lakes, rivers, streams, and coasts in the area.
Not ready to commit to becoming a Shore Steward? Check out our Shoreline Living Resources page for more information.