Characterization and Numerical Simulation of the Puyallup River Watershed

Groundwater is an important resource for domestic, commercial, and industrial usage in the Puyallup River Watershed, and groundwater discharge helps maintain late-summer and early-fall streamflow (baseflow) in many area streams. Consequently, as the population grows, and commercial and industrial activity increase, so does the demand for groundwater. However, the quantity of usable groundwater, the potential effects of future natural conditions and anthropogenic activities on groundwater resources, and potential impacts of groundwater withdrawals on streamflow, are not well understood in the watershed. Additional information is required to help ensure the long-term sustainability of the area's groundwater and surface-water resources.

The following project partners have provided funding and/or information to the Puyallup study: the Cities of Auburn, Bonney Lake, Buckley, Enumclaw, Fife, Milton, Orting, Puyallup, Sumner, and Tacoma, Cascade Water Alliance, Town of South Prairie, Fruitland Mutual Water Company, Firgrove Mutual Water Company, Lakehaven Utility District, Mt. View-Edgewood Water Company, Summit Water & Supply Company, Valley Water District, and Pierce Conservation District, Robinson-Noble, Inc., The Russell Family Foundation, U.S. Army Core of Engineers, and the Washington State Department of Health.