Healthy Water for a Healthy Community

In 2007, water quality concerns in Henderson Inlet triggered the formation of the Henderson Shellfish Protection District Septic Maintenance Program. Fecal coliform bacteria was found in the water and shellfish grown in Henderson Inlet at levels that could make people sick. The shellfish protection district created programs to educate the public, inventory local septic systems and help county staff make sure that all septic systems in the area are taken care of and that failing systems are fixed. The program is funded by a charge to people who live in the Henderson Shellfish Protection Area. This program is one of several water quality improvement projects undertaken by community partners.

Has this program worked?

Yes! Hundreds of acres of shellfish growing area have been reopened because of water quality improvements. Over 86% of the septic systems in Henderson are current with inspections and maintenance. This is one of the highest success rates in the Puget Sound area.

The work continues…

The success of the past 10 years needs to be sustained as our population continues to grow and change. Our region is known for its access to beautiful waterways, mountains, and streams. Henderson Shellfish Protection Area is an example of teamwork in the community working to keep our citizens, our precious resources and our economy healthy.

Proposed changes to the program

• The program currently requires that high risk septic systems be dye traced every six years. The new proposal changes this to every nine years. A review of the data shows that the county could reduce the frequency of dye traces and still protect public health.
• The proposal adds a $10 charge on properties that have more than one septic system. This charge helps pay for the time needed to review records and oversee the monitoring and maintenance of these additional systems.
• Increase charges $2/year for low and $6/year for high risk systems. This extra money will help reduce dependency on grants so that grants can be used in other high priority areas in the county.
• Strengthen water quality monitoring through a Pollution and Identification Correction or PIC program. Adding PIC allows the county to respond to complaints and further investigate documented water quality problems in streams or shellfish monitoring stations.

On September 12 at 5:30 p.m. the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to review and receive testimony on the ordinance to re-enact rates and charges for this program. Come and give us your feedback, share your concerns and have your questions answered!