PROTECT WASHINGTON WATERS
Washington’s rivers are central to our quality of life. They provide clean drinking water, habitat for salmon, and recreation opportunities. They are vital to a thriving, sustainable future for Washington’s communities.
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Outstanding Waters or Outstanding National Resource Waters
Outstanding Waters or Outstanding National Resource Waters (ONRWs) are rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands that receive special protections to preserve water quality and ensure future generations of Washingtonians have access to clean water. The protection afforded by Outstanding Waters designation respects the role of clean water as the lifeblood of our communities, ensuring that people from all walks of life can enjoy the benefits of clean water in our special places.
The Napeequa, Cascade, and Green Rivers earned this designation through years of advocacy and coalition work. Their protection shows what’s possible when Washingtonians organize around clean water. It also shows what’s still at stake for the rivers that haven’t yet been designated.
Nominated Waters
The Department of Ecology has begun its robust process to review four nominated waters to determine whether to designate them for the highest level of water quality protection.
Upper Sultan River
The Upper Sultan River rises above Spada Reservoir in the North Cascades, an ecologically pristine, cold-water river that supplies clean drinking water to hundreds of thousands of Snohomish County residents. A proposed repeal of national forest roadless area protections puts that water quality at risk.
Methow Headwaters
The Methow Headwaters, spanning the West Fork Methow River, Lost River, Early Winters Creek, and Chewuch River, hold some of the cleanest, most biodiverse water left in the North Cascades. A proposed repeal of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule threatens more than 130,000 acres that have kept this watershed healthy for generations.
Upper Lewis River
The Upper Lewis River flows from Mount Adams Wilderness through old-growth forest, past waterfalls, and toward drinking water sources for Cowlitz County residents. Recommended for Wild & Scenic River designation back in the 1990s, it’s still waiting on the permanent protection that recommendation was meant to lead to.
Ruby, Granite, and Canyon Creeks
Ruby, Granite, and Canyon Creeks are high-elevation tributaries of the Skagit River, prized for exceptional water quality and deep cultural significance. Legacy and existing mining claims near Ruby Creek threaten the cold, clear water that Puget Sound’s most salmon-productive river system depends on.
Take Action to protect Washington Waters
We must protect our waters for future generations. Clean, flowing water is our culture. It’s our well-being. It’s our prosperity.