State of the Oyster

The State of the Oyster Study (SOS) has engaged citizens in the monitoring of edible shellfish since 1987. Waterfront property owners in Puget Sound and Hood Canal collect oyster and clam samples from their beaches at specific times during summer months. Washington Sea Grant arranges for laboratory testing of their samples, which are analyzed for the presence of harmful bacteria or for bacterial indicators of fecal contamination. WSG then helps participants interpret their test results and, if needed, works closely with them to identify and remedy the sources of observed contamination.

Through the years, the SOS project has helped waterfront residents on more than 300 Washington beaches learn what makes for safer oysters and clams and how to minimize fecal contamination in their waters.

Participate in a study of bacterial contamination in recreational shellfish on privately owned beaches in Hood Canal and Puget Sound. Washington Sea Grant arranges for laboratory testing of shellfish samples provided by volunteers, which are analyzed for the presence of harmful bacteria - fecal contamination and Vibrio bacteria:

Well Education and Testing (WET)

Keep your well well and your drinking water safe. See the following form for information about getting your well water tested.

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