Humboldt Baykeeper's Water Quality Program includes Citizen Monitoring of creeks and stormwater runoff, outreach to increase awarenss of water issues, and advocacy to improve water quality.
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Citizen Water Monitoring Program |
Since 2005, o  ur Citizen Water Monitoring Program has worked to document the present condition of local streams and sloughs, to identify problem areas for future monitoring, and to find solutions that reduce such pollution. Our monitoring covers both the dry weather period in late summer and the "First Flush," when autumn's first major storm sends pollutants washing off streets into storm drains and creeks. Our volunteers are also monitoring McKinleyville’s waterways, which flow into the Mad River or directly into the ocean. We are currently working with Pacific Watershed Associates to analyze data from our first 5 years, and to refine our program to sample target streams more intensively to pinpoint pollution sources.
Thanks to the dozens of dedicated volunteers and partners who help make our program successful. To get involved, send an email to
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Fecal Coliform Results: coming soon!
The first major rainstorm of the 2009-2010 water year arrived on October 14. In our 5th year comparing First Flush with Dry Weather levels, fecal coliform levels were again quite high in many of the creeks sampled. Below are results from some of the 17 Arcata sites tested by volunteers participating in our Citizens Water Quality Monitoring Program. Sites in Eureka and McKinleyville were also tested during the 2009 First Flush event. For information on other First Flush results, contact jkalt [at] humboldtbaykeeper.org. |
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Humboldt County's Beach Monitoring Program |
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The Hum boldt County Environmental Health Department monitors fecal coliform near creek mouths at local beaches. Fecal coliform are indicators of other pathogens, many of which are difficult to detect. Faulty septic systems, pet and livestock feces, and leaky sewage pipes can all contribute to the high levels of fecal coliform in local creeks. Fecal coliform, including E. coli, also originate from seabirds and marine mammals, but sampling data show much higher levels after major rainstorms, suggesting that stormwater and agricultural runoff are also contributing to these impacts on water quality. The County Health Department recommends that beachgoers avoid contact with ocean and creek water until at least 3 days after a heavy rainfall. Results from weekly sampling at Moonstone Beach, Clam Beach, Trinidad State Beach, Luffenholtz Creek, and Mad River Estuary are posted on the County’s website. |
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Water Monitoring Partners |
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Thanks to our partners who help make our Citizen Water Monitoring Program a success! |
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Baykeeper Monitors Freshwater Creek Diesel Spill |
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On November 28, 2007, a truck headed to service Pacific Lumber’s diesel equipment in Elk River fell off a bridge over Freshwater Creek, spilling approximately 150 gallons of diesel and smaller amounts of motor oil, used oil, lubricants, brake and transmission fluids. The Steve Wills Trucking Company driver and passenger were fortunately uninjured, and emergency responders managed to pump out much of the truck's diesel load before it reached the creek. But the crash raised questions about oil spill response for inland waters on the North Coast.  Baykeeper staff and volunteers collected water samples for five days, beginning 15 hours after the spill. Some components of diesel were transported rapidly downstream, while other components evaporated, contributing to the powerful fumes that remained along the creek for days. The heavier components tightly adhered to leaves, rocks, gravel, and eventually to aquatic organisms. These components are of long-term concern to salmonids and other fish, since they accumulate in pools and side channels where fish tend to spend time resting and feeding on aquatic insects. Thanks to the dedicated water quality volunteers who helped with the sampling efforts, we were able to make a difference. If you'd like to make a donation to help cover the costs of the sampling, please click here.   
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