Helping you understand the air you breathe
Air Quality Program
Monitoring local air conditions and providing education to help you stay informed and protected.Â
Our Air Quality Program focuses on education, awareness, and real-time monitoring to help residents better understand the air they breathe. We currently maintain a network of PurpleAir monitors across our district. These monitors track air quality every 10 minutes, providing up-to-date, local data you can use to make informed decisions for your health.
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In addition to monitoring, we provide guidance on how air quality can impact your daily life—from wildfire smoke and allergens to indoor air concerns—and what steps you can take to reduce exposure. Whether you’re checking conditions before heading outside or looking for ways to improve air quality in your home, our program is here to provide clear, reliable information you can trust.
How is air quality measured?Â
Our air quality program uses PurpleAir monitors located throughout the district to track fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air. PM2.5 consists of tiny particles from sources such as wildfire smoke, dust, vehicle emissions, and other airborne pollutants that can affect respiratory and cardiovascular health.
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PurpleAir monitors collect air quality data continuously and update approximately every 10 minutes, providing near real-time information about local conditions. The monitor data is then translated into the Air Quality Index (AQI), a color-coded scale that helps people understand current air quality and potential health impacts.
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AQI values range from 0 to 500, with higher values indicating greater levels of air pollution and increased health concerns. By monitoring local air quality conditions, residents can make informed decisions about outdoor activities and take steps to reduce exposure when air quality declines.
Should I go outside?
Understanding your air quality Levels
Air quality can change quickly due to weather conditions, wildfire smoke, dust, agricultural activities, and other environmental factors. Before spending extended time outdoors, regardless of the season, check current AQI conditions using the PurpleAir monitors live link below.
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Who are sensitive or at-risk populations? Sensitive groups include young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. These individuals may experience health effects sooner or at lower levels of air pollution than others.
What about everyone else? People who do not have these risk factors may be less likely to experience health effects during periods of poor air quality. However, as air pollution levels increase, anyone can be affected, especially during prolonged outdoor activity or strenuous exercise.
The AQI categories below can help you understand what current air quality conditions mean for you and your family: