The Triangle Cove watershed makes up one of the largest drainage basins on Camano Island. Kristoferson Creek, which provides habitat for salmon, is the primary drainage feature flowing into Triangle Cove.

The watershed includes areas like Camaloch, Camaloch Golf Course, Camano Hills, Camano Plaza, Barnum Point and vicinity. 

View map of watershed.

So, is there a problem with Triangle Cove?

The short answer is yes. The Department of Ecology’s 303(d) impaired waters list identifies Kristoferson Creek as exceeding water quality parameters for fecal coliform bacteria, pH, and dissolved oxygen. Island County was awarded a National Estuary Program grant that focused on improving water quality in Kristoferson Creek, and the Triangle Cove area.

What was done?

  • Sources of bacteria were identified and corrected.

  • Classes on rain gardens, sustainable gardening, and rain barrels were  offered along with farm tours.

  • Septic inspections and compliance monitoring are on-going. The rate of septic inspections jumped from 19% to over 87%!

Thanks to the residents of the Triangle Cove watershed for taking steps to improve water quality in this beautiful and important area.


Continued effort is needed to make sure septic systems work properly, pet waste is picked up and disposed of in the trash, and livestock and horse manure is contained and covered to help keep fecal coliform bacteria out of the water. Using sustainable gardening practices, rain barrels, and rain gardens keeps excess nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as oils and other toxics, out of the water, keeping it clean and clear for humans and wildlife for years to come.

Newsletters

Project News & Highlights

Featured
Wrapping Up in Triangle Cove
Wrapping Up in Triangle Cove

Pie, apple cider, and music marked the final public meeting, and celebration, of the Triangle Cove Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) program.

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"Your Groundwater and Camano Island Aquifers" a very timely event!
"Your Groundwater and Camano Island Aquifers" a very timely event!

The heat and drought made July 29th's "Your Groundwater and Camano Island Aquifers" a very timely event! Over 160 Camano Islanders attended the workshop that featured a detailed presentation by Island County Hydrogeologist Doug Kelly about Island County's aquifers, seawater intrusion, and the abundance of data maintained on the islands' water wells. 

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First Camano Island Sound Horsekeeper
First Camano Island Sound Horsekeeper

Congratulations to Liz Abelsen, the first person on Camano Island, for receiving our Sound Horsekeeping sign.  This well-deserved honor demonstrates all of the amazing Best Management Practices that Liz has in place on her property to protect water quality, build healthy soils, and create a healthy and happy environment for her mini-horses, chickens, gardens, and abundant wildlife that call this Camano oasis home. 

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