Water Quality

Water quality within the Priest Rapids Project area supports domestic, industrial and agricultural water supply, stock watering, wildlife habitat, fish spawning, migration and rearing.  Grant PUD currently operates and maintains four, fixed-site water quality stations within the Priest Rapids Project Area. These sites are located in the forebays and tailraces of Wanapum and Priest Rapids dams. A multi-probe water quality measuring device located at each station collects water temperature (Temp - Celsius - ° C), barometric pressure (mm/hg) and total dissolved gas (TDG - percent saturation) data on an hourly basis. Bi-weekly grab samples of Turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen and pH are also collected from these sites.

Data collected from the four, fixed-site water quality stations is used to document the status of key water quality variables within the Priest Rapids Project area and to comply with Grant PUD’s 401 water quality certification.

Fish-Spill Season Total Dissolved Gas Summary Report (2009) (pdf)

Fixed Site Water Quality Monitoring

Fixed-Site Water Quality Monitoring Report (2009) (pdf)

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Fixed Site Water Quality Monitoring Program (pdf)

Section 401 Water Quality Certifications

Priest Rapids Hydropower Project 401 Water Quality Certification (pdf)

Gas Abatement Plan (2010) (pdf)

Quagga and Zebra Mussels

Clean, Drain and Dry!
Zebra mussels and their close cousin quagga mussels are mollusks originating in Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Until January of 2007, the mussels have been successfully contained east of the Continental Divide. These small creatures pose a serious threat to waterways, potentially causing billions of dollars of economic damage to water supply systems by plugging intake screens and pipes, devastating natural resources and presenting a serious health hazard.  Recreation-based industries and activities are also affected by the mussels which take up residence on docks, buoys, boats and beaches. For boaters, Quagga/Zebra mussels increase drag, clog engines causing overheating and can affect steerage. Trailered boats can easily transfer larvae and adult mussels from one water body to another.

Help fight the spread of this species. Clean, Drain and Dry!  Thoroughly clean your boat hull, live wells, bilges and boat trailer with hot, pressurized water and soap and/or 6 percent solution of household bleach when you have exited another water system and are trailering your boat to a different location. Flush engine coolant systems with hot water (above 140 degrees) to kill larvae in the cooling water. Dispose of unused bait in the trash.