Cleaner waters, safer shellfish: Washington reports progress in harvest areas

Washington’s Department of Health reported progress in shellfish water quality, with five harvest areas showing improvement after significant restrictions in 2025. However, 13 growing areas across the state are at risk due to elevated bacteria levels. Since 2011, DOH has invested over $45 million in Puget Sound water quality projects, with officials emphasizing community actions like septic maintenance and proper waste disposal.