Caring for Our Waters

The Mission of the Moses Lake Watershed Council Moses Lake is the heart of our community. It is a cornerstone of our regional identity, a hub for recreation, and a vital economic driver for the Columbia Basin. Recognizing that the health of this lake affects every resident, the Moses Lake Watershed Council (MLWC) was formed in 2018 to ensure that our water quality is protected and improved for present and future generations. 

The MLWC is not a government agency with regulatory authority; rather, it is a community-led collaborative effort coordinated by the Columbia Basin Conservation District (CBCD). At its core, the council functions as a forum where diverse stakeholders—including local, state, and federal agencies, as well as interested citizens—come together to share information, strengthen partnerships, and leverage resources. This collaborative approach allows us to address the complex challenges facing our watershed in a way that no single entity could achieve alone. 

The Collaborative Approach 

The council is only as strong as its participants. Our local members, the City of Moses Lake, the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District, the Columbia Basin Conservation District, Grant County.

County Health District

Grant County Tourism, Grant County EDC, the Port of Moses Lake, Grant County Mosquito Control District, Trout Lodge, the Bureau of Reclamation, a Citizen Representative, and state agencies like the Department of Ecology and the Department of Fish & Wildlife, contribute unique expertise and resources. By operating on a consensus-based model, we ensure that our decisions are community-supported and represent a diverse range of perspectives. 

What We Do: Action and Outreach 

The MLWC’s mission is focused on tangible results. Our activities generally fall into two categories:hands-on water quality improvement projects and robust public education. 

● Water Quality Projects: We implement science-driven solutions to manage phosphorus levels and invasive species. Recent initiatives have included phosphorus sequestration projects using lanthanum clay to reduce algal growth, aquatic vegetation surveys to identify and manage nuisance plants like Eurasian watermilfoil, and septic-to-sewer conversion programs for shoreline properties. These efforts are critical to maintaining the balance of our ecosystem. 

● Public Education & Engagement: We believe that the best stewards of the lake are the people who live here. Through the Grant County Healthy Lakes Blue-Green Algae Tracker, we provide residents with real-time updates on water quality. Our "State of Our Lake" annual meetings, summer pop-up education programs for youth, and seminars on topics like eco-friendly gardening and shoreline nutrient management help connect residents to the science of their own backyard. 

Why We Do It 

The reason for this work is simple: our quality of life depends on it. Historically, Moses Lake has faced challenges with harmful algal blooms, which impact our health.

Ronnie Sawyer is the Moses Lake Water Quality Program Manager.