Whatcom County Public Works coordinates a routine water quality monitoring program at a fixed-network of approximately 90 sites in County watersheds that discharge to marine waters. Samples are collected at least monthly and analyzed for fecal coliform bacteria. The data are used to prioritize drainages for water quality improvement programs and to characterize general patterns in declining and improving water quality. Additional sampling is conducted in focus areas where elevated fecal coliform levels have been seen consistently and water quality improvement programs are being implemented.