Water Quality Monitoring: Clean Water Act 106 Program

Link to the

Status Report of Implementing & Enforcing the UST Program in Indian Country

Link to EPA Regulations

Link to the

Interactive maps

Goals and Objectives

Water quality and quantity have important cultural and economic significance for the Nez Perce Tribe.  The mission of the WRD is to “provide a foundation for management of the water rights secured by the Treaties of 1855 and 1863, and for monitoring the quality of water resources vital to the long-term sustainability of the Nez Perce Tribe and its heirs” (Nez Perce Tribe Water Resources Division Plan of Work 2005).  Long-term viability of this resource depends on the development of comprehensive management programs for watersheds located on the reservation and ceded lands.  The goals of the WRD surface water program quality monitoring program are to:

 

· Implement tribal water quality policies and regulation on a watershed scale to protect, preserve, and enhance water quality.

· Conduct research that supports the implementation of water quality management goals.

· Implement tribal programs, policies, and regulations to protect surface water quality, including management practices that prevent pollutants from entering surface water.

· Maintain, enhance, and restore wetland functions and values.

· Protect off-reservation water resources.

· Enhance protection of tribal water resources through coordination and consultation.

 

Links to Water Quality Reports:

Water Quality Monitoring Links:

NOTICES:

-Bacteria Violations @ Spring Creek & Year Out

Overview

The WRD applied for and received treatment in the same manner as a state (TAS) to implement the Clean Water Act 106 Water Quality Monitoring Program in 1990.  In 1999, the WRD began collecting water quality data for Reservation waterbodies.  Data was collected at over 35 sites during this first year.  This data has been used to determine the overall health and condition of the Tribe’s surface waters.

 

There are over 1,590 miles of streams on the Reservation and 2,883 acres of ponds and reservoirs.  Of the Reservation stream miles, approximately 980 miles have been assessed for water quality.  Over 680 of the assessed stream miles are considered impaired.  The larger reservoirs, including Mud Springs Reservoir, Talmaks Reservoir, and Winchester Lake are also impaired for water quality.  The WRD continues to assess Reservation waterbodies to target areas for restoration, track long-term trends in water quality, determine the effectiveness of best management practices, and gather information on waterbodies that have not been assessed. 

 

The WRD also collects water quality data for groundwater and springs.  Water quality data has been collected on over 15 wells throughout the Lapwai Valley and Kamiah area.  Since 2006, 32 springs have been monitored.  This data will provide valuable information on the overall quality of our drinking water and potential contaminant sources.  

For more information contact:

Jenifer Harris

Water Quality Specialist

(208) 843—7360