Why is one beachfront property covered with green seaweed and another not?
A failing septic system on the property may explain it. That’s the kind of practical information real estate professionals learn when they enroll in the “With a Water View” water resource education program co-sponsored by WSU Cooperative Extension’s Water Quality Management team and the Washington Association of Realtors.
"We teach real estate professionals about water resource-related issues in a context that relates to their work with real estate and the general public,” says Bob Simmons, team leader for extension’s water quality educators. “We hope they will share that knowledge with their clientele as well as their colleagues.”
The Extension Water Quality Management Team coordinates the water resource educational efforts of Cooperative Extension across the state. Programs like “With a Water View” help extension educators magnify their efforts, Simmons says.
Four classes are being offered currently. They cover wetlands; salmon and streams; septics and groundwater; and shoreline development
Since classes began in 1995, about 600 real estate professionals have taken the courses, which are currently offered in Thurston, Mason and Jefferson counties. As added incentive for enrolling, real estate brokers, agents and appraisers can earn 15 clock hours toward license re-certification.
That’s part of the reason Rob Meenk of Pacific Slope Properties in Olympia took the course this past summer. “But the reason I have taken a couple courses offered by Washington State University Cooperative Extension is because they’re both germane to what I do and also very interesting subjects.”
Mary Ryan of Ryan Properties in Renton shares Meenk’s view. “I thought I was real fortunate to have a class like that available that would satisfy my hours at the same time. The environmental issues and ground-water are very perplexing for agents who have been around a long time.” She took the course about a year ago.
“I walked away with a much better understanding of wetlands issues,” she said, later adding, “I think I understand the no-growth, environmental issues a little more and I think I have more respect for them."
During the two-day course, real estate professionals learn how natural processes change shorelines and waterfront property and the regulations that pertain. They also learn how to identify wetlands as well as the functions and values of wetlands and the regulations that apply to wetland use. Groundwater, wells, and onsite sewage systems are among the other topics taught, including stream processes and issues related to salmon protection and restoration.
“We relay the information we learn at these courses to prospective buyers and sellers of property,” Meenk says. “The course brought in a lot of the local experts both from the municipalities and also from private industry, so we are able to at least direct them (clients) to where they might be able to get some pertinent answers.”
“With a Water View” is just one of Cooperative Extension’s water quality educational efforts. Some programs rely on local or state grant funding while fees are charged for others.
Through Extension’s Watershed Stewards Program, key volunteers in communities in Island, Clark, King and Jefferson counties take a comprehensive 12-week watershed training program focusing on the water resource issues that are a priority in their region. In turn, these Watershed Stewards help provide leadership in local watershed education and restoration programs.
Home and Farm*A*Syst helps the state’s growing rural population, especially those who have private wells, protect their groundwater. Because private wells are largely unregulated, the burden for making certain water from these sources is safe to drink falls on the well owners. Extension’s program, run largely by volunteers, stresses steps that can be taken to prevent pollution.
