OSWP home page

OSWP publications

 • Shellfish

 • Wastewater

OSWP rules

 • Current WACs and RCWs

 • Rules under development:

Greywater Reuse

Large On-site Sewage Systems

The mission of the Office of Shellfish and Water Protection (OSWP) is to improve the health of people in Washington State by ensuring shellfish are safe to eat, beaches are safe for swimming, and on-site sewage and reclaimed water systems are properly managed.

Our office consists of the following programs:

Shellfish Program

Swimming BEACH Program

Water Protection Program (Wastewater Management Section)

Biotoxin Program 
Monitors biotoxins in molluscan shellfish, closing harvest areas when high levels pose a threat to public health.

Commercial Shellfish Licensing & Certification Program
Licenses and inspects commercial shellfish operations in Washington state.

Growing Areas Classification Program
Monitors and classifies shellfish growing areas for harvest suitability.

Recreational Shellfish Program  
Provides timely information to recreational harvesters regarding where and when it is safe to harvest shellfish.

Water Protection Program

Wastewater Management Section

• Protects public health by promoting the safe treatment and disposal of domestic and other non-industrial wastewater in areas of Washington not served by municipal sewage treatment works.

• Provides assistance to local health jurisdictions regarding on-site wastewater issues.

• Large On-site Sewage System Program:  Reviews and approves plans for large on-site sewage systems.

EH Home DOH Home | Access Washington | Privacy Notice | Disclaimer/Copyright Information Links to external resources are provided as a public service and do not imply endorsement by the Washington State Department of Health. Office of Shellfish and Water Protection Division of Environmental Health Washington State Department of Health Mailing address:  DOH OSWP, PO Box 47824, Olympia, WA  98504-7824 Physical address:  Town Center Building 2, 111 Israel Rd. SE, Tumwater, WA Phone:  360-236-3330 Fax:     360-236-2257 Send inquiries about DOH and its programs to the Health Consumer Assistance Office. For comments or questions regarding this Web site, please send email to Web Coordinator.