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White River Watershed
White River watershed facts - Learn about White River history and fisheries, look at a watershed map and visit other White River related resources.
Basin Steward Program
Find out what Water and Land Resources' Basin Steward Program does and how to contact your Basin Stewards.
Report problems: drainage and water quality
Stormwater runoff pollution and how to reduce itTips on how to reduce water pollution from home, yard, car, pets and so forth.
Flooding and hydrology
White River flooding information
Look up river gage levels, flood phases and descriptions provided by King County Flood Warning System.
Projects in the White River Watershed
Water and land improvement projects, White River Watershed
Look up flooding, wastewater treatment and stormwater projects in King County, Washington.
Lower White River Countyline Levee Setback Project and Pacific Right Bank Project
Two projects along the lower White River to increase flood storage and reduce the risk of flood damage during high water.
Middle Boise Creek Restoration Project
Overview of a project to widen a creek, plant native riparian trees, install wood and restore an associated wetland to improve habitat near Enumclaw.
Lower Boise Creek Habitat Restoration Project
Overview of a project to remove contamination and restore a creek to create salmon spawning habitat near Enumclaw.
Surface water management and groundwater
Report problems: drainage and water qualityPuyallup-White River watershed map (Acrobat pdf)
Drainage map displaying streams, lakes, drainage divides, major roads and jurisdictions straddling King County and Pierce County.
South King County Groundwater Management Area
Learn about plans to protect the aquifer in the south county area including the White River watershed localities of Algona, Pacific, and unincorporated King County areas.
Lakes: statistics and water quality
Lake Weedwatcher Program
Got a small boat? Interested in saving a lake from the horrors of dense weed infestations?
Reports
Science documents - White River Watershed
- Boise Creek Bacterial Source Tracking Study: 2012 Summary of Findings
Scientific study to locate the source(s) of bacterial pollution on Boise Creek and its tributary creeks to inform possible solutions. (2011 report) -
Boise Creek Rapid Rural Reconnaissance Report
Inventory of the Boise Creek Basin's surface water needs including its priority drainage, habitat, and water quality projects, acquisitions, studies, and programs. - East Hylebos Creek 2001 Monitoring Program Report - results of water quality and habitat monitoring from 2001 in East Hylebos Creek.
- Salmon Habitat Limiting Factors for the Puyallup River Basin - WRIA 10
Outlines the loss of habitat in this basin -- which includes the White River drainage in south King County -- and appraises costs of preserving good habitat, restoring damaged habitat, and and other changes to enable self-sustaining salmon populations.
Photo: Boise Creek near Enumclaw - tributary to the White River
- Puyallup River Watershed Assessment Draft (external Acrobat)
October 2014 - historical and current conditions of the the physical, biological, cultural, and economic landscape in the Puyallup River watershed. - White River Land Acquisition Evaluation Report
This report recommends lands to be acquired for salmon habitat restoration and flood management along the White River in south King County. Published 2002. - Urbanization of Aquatic Systems: Degradation Thresholds, Stormwater Detection and the Limits of Mitigation (Acrobat pdf, external)
King County study concluding that "approximately 10 percent effective impervious area in a watershed typically yields demonstrable, and probably irreversible, loss of aquatic-system function."
Recreation and appreciation
Fishing regulations and seasons (external link)
Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife fishing rules for Washington State including White River, its tributaries and lakes within the watershed.
Hazards in King County rivers
Overview of risks associated with river-related recreation and resources for water, boating and river safety.
Lands
Agriculture in King County, Washington
Info about several programs serving growers in King County and resources promoting local agriculture. The White River watershed includes part of King County's larger agricultural districts.
Noxious weed infestation map
Interactive map showing location of regulated noxious weed infestations.
Forestry services and information - King County services and contacts for foresters and homeowners involved in forestry.
King County volunteer opportunities - Get the "Dirt" on upcoming events.
Related information
Related agencies
- Dept. of Natural Resources and Parks
- Water and Land Resources Division
- Parks and Recreation Division
News and announcements
Sign up for river hazard updates:
Oct. 6, 2023
See how King County will use large wood to reduce flood risks and restore habitat for fish and wildlife
The right investments at the right time in the right places.