MANAGING A SOLE-SOURCE AQUIFER SYSTEM; COMBING SCIENCE, POLICY, AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

Island County, Washington includes both Whidbey and Camano Islands in Puget Sound approximately 20 – 50 miles northwest of Seattle. Both islands have sole-source aquifer designation with concerns over sustainability of groundwater resources due to overuse, seawater intrusion, and other forms of groundwater contamination. These concerns have led local, state and federal agencies to devote significant time and financial support to groundwater evaluations and the development of groundwater resource protection measures for Island County.

This presentation will focus on how Island County is using the best available science to guide public policy to protect groundwater resources while also allowing continued residential development within the county.