Support Community-Powered Stormwater Monitoring
Stormwater is the number one source of pollution in Puget Sound. And yet, across Washington, most stormwater outfalls go unmonitored. That’s where we come in.
At Friends of the Salish Sea, we run a volunteer-powered program that fills this gap. But the future of our program is at risk.
This program is entirely powered by local volunteers, but running it takes real resources. We need funding for:
Sampling supplies (thermometers, bacteria test kits, YSI meters, and more)
Data systems to manage and share results
Training and safety equipment for volunteers
Staff time to support volunteer coordination and city partnerships
Our Program Is in Trouble—And We Need Your Help
Until now, our stormwater monitoring project has been supported by grant funding. But that funding is going away, and without new support from our community, we will not be able to sustain this work.
That means fewer eyes on pollution, fewer opportunities for city managers to intervene—and fewer protections for the salmon, orcas, and people who call these waters home.
Your donation today helps us keep this critical work going.
What We Do—and Why It Matters
Each month, 90 + trained volunteers sample water from 122 stormwater outfalls in eight shoreline communities. These outfalls discharge directly into habitat for chinook salmon, forage fish, and the endangered southern resident killer whales.
We test for five key water quality indicators:
E. coli
Conductivity
Turbidity
pH
Dissolved oxygen
In addition to testing, volunteers conduct a detailed visual assessment of each outfall and its surroundings—looking for signs of pollution, structural failure, erosion, discoloration, unusual odors, and more. These observations are just as critical as the test results.
The data we collect is shared with municipal stormwater managers to help them address pollution risks.
This work doesn’t just generate data—it drives change.
How We Define Success
Our project isn’t just about numbers—it’s about impact.
Municipal staff use our data to investigate or respond to pollution risks.
Communities are engaged in protecting their local waters.
Volunteers feel empowered to speak up and take action.
We maintain a long-term, consistent dataset that can reveal trends and drive policy.
In short, we succeed when our data results in real-world change.
We’re proud to be building science with communities, not just for them.
Your donation will directly support on-the-ground water quality monitoring that empowers local residents, protects public health, and defends our marine ecosystems.
Be Part of the Solution
Together, we can hold polluters accountable and keep the Salish Sea clean and healthy for future generations.
Does Your Employer Match Donations?
Many companies will match their employees’ charitable gifts! This is a great way to double your impact at no extra cost to you. After you donate, check with your employer’s HR or giving department to see if they’ll match your gift to Friends of the Salish Sea.
We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and happy to provide any documentation you need. Contact Shannon at smvalderas1974@gmail.com for help .
Your gift supports real science, real communities, and a cleaner Salish Sea.