Ground Water/Surface Water Interactions and Quality of Discharging Ground Water in Streams of the Lower Nooksack River Basin, Whatcom County, Washington

A series of studies have documented the occurrence of
elevated concentrations of fecal bacteria and nitrate in lowland
streams of Whatcom County, Washington. These and other
water-quality issues have created significant challenges for
water-resources managers in the lower Nooksack River basin
of Whatcom County. Because additional sources of
fresh water are not readily available in this area, balancing the
competing demands for water resources in this region is of
great concern to the public and a high priority to local waterresources
managers. In addition, water-resource allocations
have been implemented by State regulation of instream
flows as a result of the Endangered
Species Act and the listing of Chinook salmon and Bull trout
as “threatened species.” An improved understanding of how
ground water and surface water interact in the area will greatly
assist water-resources managers in making decisions that
result in improved water quality.