Celebrating Ecology's clean water funding programs

Each year, hundreds of clean water projects across the state receive funding from our water quality grants and loans programs. Because many of these projects take years to complete, we create an Outcomes Report for each biennium to highlight some of this great work. The 2023-2025 biennium outcomes report is now available as an interactive story map, highlighting water quality improvements we funded between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025.

During the 2023-2025 biennium, Ecology invested more than $626 million in 340 clean water projects. These projects help Washington communities prevent pollution, improve infrastructure, restore habitat, and manage stormwater. This biennium reflects not only significant on-the-ground accomplishments, but also the resilience and creativity of partners who continued work despite supply-chain delays, staffing shortages, and other challenges.

Project highlights

The report has more details, but we wanted to highlight a few key projects that show the creativity and collaboration of communities across Washington. Our funding covers a wide variety of projects including improving wastewater facilities, stormwater management activities, stormwater facilities, nonpoint projects, onsite septic system repair and replacement, harmful algae control, and aquatic invasive plant management. Most of this support came from the Water Quality Combined Funding Program, which simplifies and streamlines access to state and federal dollars across eight different funding sources. This program includes funding sources such as Clean Water Section 319 grants, Centennial Clean Water Program grants, Clean Water State Revolving Fund loans (CWSRF), Stormwater Financial Assistance Program grants (SFAP), and more.

City of Tekoa Influent Lift Station Replacement

The City of Tekoa received about $1.3 million to replace an aging influent lift station at the wastewater treatment plant; upgrading pumps, electrical systems, and structural components for more reliable operations. An influent lift station is where the incoming wastewater is first collected and then pumped to the first stages of the treatment process. The updated lift station reduces the risk of untreated wastewater reaching Hangman Creek and supports safe, consistent wastewater treatment for the community. Improvements also enhanced staff safety through modernized controls and equipment.

City of Port Angeles City Hall parking lot low impact development retrofit

The City of Port Angeles received $1.4 million from SFAP to install permeable pavement, bioretention cells, and stormwater cisterns at City Hall to capture, filter, and reduce stormwater runoff. These green infrastructure features remove pollutants like sediment, dissolved metals, and nutrients before stormwater reaches Peabody Creek. The site now serves as a visible demonstration of low-impact development practices for the whole community.

King County Cemetery Pond wetland protection and restoration

King County received a $500,000 grant to restore natural wetland functions at Cemetery Pond by acquiring land, removing invasive plants, and designing wetland expansion. These improvements help the wetland slow down water flows and filter stormwater before it reaches May Creek. Healthy wetlands remove pollutants such as sediment and bacteria, protecting downstream water quality and improving habitat. The county engaged with residents through outreach events, helping the community understand the value of wetland restoration for clean water and local habitat.

Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group Upper Yakima Forest Restoration Project

Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group received a $250,000 grant to restore streamside habitat along the upper Yakima River by planting native trees and shrubs, installing fencing, and seeding native grasses. These actions stabilized riverbanks and reduced erosion. This restoration helps lower water temperatures, reduces sediment and bacteria entering the river, and supports healthier salmon habitat. Local landowners and community volunteers contributed to planting and stewardship events, strengthening long-term care of the restored area.

Skagit County Lake Campbell and Lake Erie Cyanobacteria Management Plan

Skagit County used $50,000 from the Freshwater Algae Control Grant Program to develop a cyanobacteria management plan by assessing lake conditions, identifying phosphorus sources, and filling monitoring gaps. The plan outlines treatments and watershed improvements to reduce harmful algae blooms that affect water quality, recreation, and aquatic habitat. The county engaged local partners to support future implementation and long-term lake stewardship.

Looking ahead

While the water quality improvements made this biennium are something to celebrate, challenges remain. Our state's aging infrastructure, population growth, and climate change mean continued investment and collaboration to protect water quality is more important than ever. Building on the progress we've made, Ecology will continue supporting communities through strong partnerships and targeted investments to support projects that protect and build clean, resilient waterways for generations to come. If your community has a project that will help improve water quality, check out our funding opportunities.