Outstanding Resource Waters in Washington State

Introduction

Rivers in Washington are vulnerable in the face of population growth, pollution, and climate change. Of particular concern are Washington’s high quality rivers that enjoy clean water and provide critical habitat for salmon and other wildlife. One way we can protect our high quality rivers is to designate these rivers as a “Tier III water” or an “outstanding resource water” (ORW). An ORW designation protects rivers by prohibiting the release of pollution that impairs the high quality nature of these rivers.

What is an ORW?

Under the Clean Water Act, Washington's Department of Ecology has the authority to protect high quality rivers, lakes, and streams that are vital to our communities. An ORW candidate must meet at least one of the following criteria:

1. It is in relatively pristine condition (largely absent human sources of degradation) or possesses exceptional water quality and also occurs in federal or state parks, monuments, preserves, wildlife refuges, wilderness areas, marine sanctuaries, estuarine research reserves or wild and scenic rivers; 

2. It provides unique aquatic habitat;

3. It has high water quality and regionally unique recreational value;

4. It is of exceptional statewide ecological significance or

5. It provides cold water refuges critical for aquatic species.

An ORW may also be categorized as a “Tier III A” or “Tier III B” water, which allows flexibility in protection and enforcement. A “Tier III A” stream provides the highest level of protection because no degradation of any kind is allowed. A “Tier III B” stream allows for a de minimus, or a non-measurable amount of degradation to the stream. In either category, Ecology has a range of enforcement mechanisms that it can utilize against a polluter even if the polluter has a permit. Any activity that may degrade a river must utilize best management practices and use state-of-the-art technology to minimize harm to our rivers and our communities.

Protecting High Quality Rivers

We all have our own reasons for wanting to protect our rivers and streams, from cultural heritage to recreation to economic livelihood. An ORW designation defends these values and also provides a number of other benefits. For example, an ORW designation may be a strong tool for state and local governments to pursue smart and responsible development practices. Smart land use decisions that incorporate human, economic, and ecological values result in higher property values, more efficient public services, sustainable economic growth, and healthier communities.

In terms of cost, protecting and enhancing high quality rivers and critical salmon habitat before these resources are degraded by pollution is often cheaper than trying to rejuvenate sick and damaged rivers. The high level of protection provided by an ORW designation guarantees that clean rivers can stay that way and critical salmon habitat can support and improve spawning and rearing. As a result, people enjoy a higher quality of life and our salmon runs have a healthy place to live.

The reality of climate change means we should act now to protect our high quality rivers and streams. Although the impacts of climate change will vary from region to region, scientists expect higher average global temperatures over the next century to cause higher river temperatures, causing significant changes in aquatic and terrestrial habitat and harm to freshwater fish like salmon. Additionally, rainfall patterns will shift — some areas will get more precipitation, some less. An ORW designation is an important way to ensure cool, clean water for fish, wildlife, and people now and in the future.

Yet another benefit to preserving healthy rivers in Washington is the strong relationship between clean freshwater and the health of Puget Sound. Rivers in western Washington supply the Sound with water, deliver sediments and nutrients vital to estuarine habitats, and nurture the salmon that provide a key food source for marine species like orca whales. An ORW designation protects the freshwater resources that feed and sustain the Sound by keeping water clean and cool for the regional ecosystem.

How can I make a difference?

Act now to protect Washington’s high quality rivers and streams!

Anyone can submit a written petition to the Department of Ecology urging designation of a river as an ORW (or Tier III water). If a river meets one or more of the criteria, the Department of Ecology can designate the river as an ORW through a public process. Contact Darcy Nonemacher at dnonemacher@americanrivers.org or 206.213.0330 for more details on this process and to learn about existing activities that may be going on in your watershed!