The Puget Sound Basin Joseph Chung Abstract: Located in the northwest corner of Washington State, The Puget Sound Basin is home to 3.8 million people or approximately two-thirds of the states total population. The population is growing by 50,000 to 70,000 people a year. It is with this population growth that comes an increase in water use, land use and recreational activities and in turn, harmful effects to the water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Rising populations mean more contaminates running off into the fragile ecosystems of the Puget Sound as well as water supplies used by the people living there. Things like stormwater runoff and Industrial waste water are only a few of the main contributors. There are things that are being done to help soften the effects of growth on the surrounding environment. Industrial facilities are working on waste water treatment practices before discharging their water into the environment. Biofiltration practices are being done to help filter stormwater before it runs into streams. With the help of organizations like the Puget Sound Water Quality Authority that created the Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan, that helps to implement these practices, there is hope for the future of the Puget Sound Basin. Key References: The State of the Sound (1992 Report). Olympia, WA: The Puget Sound Water Quality Authority. 1994 Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan (amended 1996). Olympia, WA: The Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team. Dietrich, W. (Wntr, 1999). Is Puget Sound in Peril? American Forests, v104 i4, 18-24.   Return to Water Resources Papers page.