In January 2013, residents near McLane Cove received a letter from Mason County Public Health

explaining the planned water quality work and requesting permission to access McLane Cove from their

property. Staff from Public Health and the Squaxin Island

Tribe collected water samples along the shoreline several

times in 2013 to assess water quality in the area. This report

provides an update on the sampling program, water quality

results, methods for improvement, and opportunities for

assistance.

McLane Cove Water Quality Update, July 2014

Water Quality Sample Sites

McLane Cove was sampled from January-September 2013 and the water samples were tested for the

presence of fecal coliform bacteria. Pollution standards are set using fecal coliform bacteria numbers

because it is found in the feces of warm-blooded animals. High levels of these bacteria have been

correlated with the lower level presence of viruses or other pathogens that can make people sick.

The water quality standard is established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the sanitary

control of shellfish produced and sold for human consumption. Fecal coliform organism levels must not

exceed a geometric mean value of 14 colonies/100 mL at a sample site. Additionally, not more than 10%

of all samples obtained for calculating the geometric mean value should exceed 43 colonies/100 mL.

The results for all sampling conducted in 2013 are listed in the table below. There are two sites that raise

concerns due to higher presence of fecal coliform bacteria, CI-002 and CI-010. CI-002 may be attributed

to wildlife and CI-010 may have potential farm influence but it is still under investigation.

The largest concerns for improving and maintaining water quality in the McLane Cove drainage are

onsite septic systems, pet waste, and farms. More information is provided on the following page about

their impacts on water quality and methods to reduce the risk.

For questions about the water quality sampling and results contact Stephanie Kenny with Mason County

Public Health at 360-427-9670 ext 581or smk@co.mason.wa.us.

Water Quality Sampling Program and Results

Fecal Coliforms per 100 mL water for McLane Cove Sites

Ways You Can Help

Farm Management

Farms have the potential to contribute to water

quality issues. Livestock waste contains fecal

coliform and other bacteria that can get carried

into nearby water by stormwater runoff. Small

farms can take measures to reduce their impact on

water quality.

For information, technical assistance, and

financial assistance in developing healthy farming

practices contact the Mason Conservation District

at 360-427-9436.

Pet Waste

Pet waste contains disease-causing organisms that

can be transmitted to people, pets, and wildlife.

Fecal coliform, bacteria, salmonella, roundworms,

and giardia can remain in

your yard for weeks or

months if not cleaned up.

They can get tracked into

your house or mix with

stormwater runoff and

get carried into nearby

surface water.

Landfills are designed to

safely handle pet waste

but yards and septic

systems are not. To keep

harmful bacteria out of the water and out of your

house scoop the poop, bag it, and put it in the

trash.

Onsite Septic Systems

Improperly operating septic systems can lead to

increased levels of fecal coliform bacteria and

nitrogen in the water. There are a variety of

resources available to assist homeowners in learning

about maintaining and repairing septic systems.

Visit http://www.co.mason.wa.us/health/

environmental/onsite/ for more information.

Mason County Public Health is currently

offering a rebate program for work completed

by August 31st. There is a $200 rebate for

maintenance provided by a Mason County

certified pumper or operation and maintenance

provider. A second $200 rebate is available for

retrofitting risers and/or effluent filters. Each

residence may receive up to $400 in rebates.

Contact Cindy Waite at 260-427-9670 ext 353 or

cew@co.mason.wa.us for more information.

WSU Extension and Mason County Public

Health offer free homeowner septic system

workshops. Visit mason.wsu.edu/water-

resources/septic-system-education or call Erica

Bates at 260-427-9670 ext 682.

Craft3, Mason County’s non-profit lending

partner offers affordable loans that cover 100%

of the costs of designing, permitting, installing,

and maintaining septic systems. For more

information visit www.craft3.org or call 360-642

-4265.

This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement PC-00J32601 to Washington

Department of Health. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention

of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.