skip to main content

To offer a suggestion or report an error on the Water and Land Resources' Web site, please contact Fred Bentler, webmaster.

Central Puget Sound Watershed

Puget Sound Nearshore Environments
Stream Mouth

Before Development

In its natural state, the estuarine environment provides a rich nursery for salmon and other species.

Undeveloped Stream Mouth

After Development

The estuary is severely impacted by development in the watershed. The construction of impervious surfaces such as roads, parking lots and buildings increases stormwater runoff, which scours rivers and has water quality impacts on nearshore habitat.

Developed Stream Mouth

> Next: Accreting Beach, Before and After Development