What problems does the Quilcene area face?
According to the Technical Assessment completed in 2000, the lower reaches of the Big Quilcene River have experienced greater habitat degradation than the upper reaches. Hydraulic continuity – that is, connections between surface water and groundwater –means that pumping groundwater from wells can reduce stream flows. Accordingly, water use in the lower watershed may exacerbate these habitat issues.
In the Dabob-Thorndyke sub-basin, Tarboo Creek faces surface water quality and habitat issues, along with high hydraulic continuity. Existing land uses in the sub-basin have degraded stream health. The Little Quilcene River has problems with habitat, water quality, water quantity, and hydraulic continuity along much of its length. Near Lake Leland, surface water use from Leland Creek is relatively high. Future growth in this sub-basin is expected to be relatively low.
When will Quilcene have its water hooked up in the business district?
Water lines and meters are in and the PUD is currently providing service to customers in the Quilcene business district. The PUD began billing customers in the Quilcene business district in February 2007. The number of connections however is limited by water rights. The rights purchased from the US Forest Service were in part diminished by the Department of Ecology due to lack of use in recent history. The PUD is hoping there will be opportunities in the development of the instream flow rule to add additional connections for citizens looking to hook into public water in Quilcene.
-Bill Graham, PUD #1