Resource Monitoring Programs

Metering Program

The Franklin Conservation District is currently assisting landowners in Franklin County with applying for cost-share for Phase 1 of the Department of Ecology's Columbia River Water Metering Project. Phase 1 of this project includes the geographic area from Priest Rapids Dam down to McNary Dam, and up the Snake River to Lower Monumental Dam. Metering and reporting must be done for all surface water withdrawals from the Snake and Columbia Rivers and ground water withdrawals within a one-mile corridor of those rivers.

Affected water right holders can apply for cost-share assistance to help defer the cost of the purchase and installation of meters to comply with this program. The Franklin Conservation District will disburse available cost-share funds on a first come first serve basis. Cost-share applications can be obtained by contacting the Conservation District office or by clicking on the link below. An "Evaluation Form for Selection of a Meter" must also accompany the cost-share application submittal.

Cost-Share Application
Evaluation Form for Selection of a Meter

Water Quality Sampling

The District has had water quality sampling projects ongoing since 1986. Several groups of surface water and groundwater sites have been regularly sampled during that time period.

All water quality samples are tested for nitrate-nitrogen (N03-N) concentrations. This data is reviewed regularly to look for changes and trends in nitrate concentration levels in groundwater in Franklin County.

A single set of over 50 surface and groundwater sites has been sampled twice-yearly (spring and fall) since the early 1990s. Sampling is done at a mix of sites, including canals, drains, the Columbia River, groundwater irrigation, and domestic drinking water wells. Comparisons are made of concentrations between spring and fall samples, and between years at the same sites.

Another set of groundwater wells was initially tested by the United States Geologic Survey (USGS) in 1986, and then sampled every three to four years by the District. This group consists of groundwater wells only and is reviewed for trends each time a new group of results is received.

Water quality testing has shown the existence of elevated levels of nitrates in the groundwater in Franklin County. The timing and regularity of sampling provides excellent information on general locations and changes/trends of water quality in the county. The data is used to develop and apply projects that work to reduce the amount of nitrates entering groundwater. Many programs have been developed that work directly with growers to assist them with reducing their impact on soil and water resources.