Surface water and stormwater management plans
This program manages surface water and stormwater runoff, drainage infrastructure, and natural water systems to create a safer, more sustainable environment for residents.
Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan and Utility Rate Update
The Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan and Utility Rate Update is a strategic initiative aimed at managing surface water effectively within the community. It updates the previous plan from 2013. The new plan will address our service goals and policies for stormwater runoff, drainage infrastructure, and natural water systems. It will consider updated regulations, policies, and community objectives to create a safer, more sustainable environment for our residents.
Stormwater Permit Program
Stormwater that moves across the urban landscape picks up trash, sediment, chemicals—like car fluids and fertilizers—as well as other pollutants from parking lots, yards, streets and roofs. These pollutants can eventually enter natural waterways if we don’t effectively address them.
We protect stormwater quality in our lakes, streams, and Puget Sound by complying with state and federal regulations.
We operate under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II permit that the Washington State Department of Ecology issued. The permit is effective August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2029. The permit goal is to control water pollution and reduce water quality problems in our creeks and lakes.
Stormwater Management Program Plan
Each year, we document our planned actions to meet the NPDES permit requirements in a Stormwater Management Program Plan (SWMP Plan). SWMP Plan actions and coordinated activities include the following:
- Stormwater planning
- Public education and outreach
- Public involvement and participation
- Stormwater system mapping and documentation
- Illicit discharge detection and elimination
- Prevention and control of stormwater runoff impacts from new development, redevelopment, and construction activities
- Stormwater system operations and maintenance
- Source control program for existing development
- Water quality monitoring
To meet permit requirements, we also submit an annual report to the Department of Ecology. The online report includes specific SWMP Plan information, tracking data, and program documents.
SWMP Plan documents and reports
You can find a description of our compliance with the NPDES Stormwater Permit within the following documents:
You can find our past annual reports through the Department of Ecology’s Permitting and Reporting Information System (PARIS).
Public education and how to get involved
We have education and involvement programs that raise awareness about protecting stormwater quality and ways to help preserve our natural waterways.
These programs include:
- Fish-friendly car wash kits
- Stormdrain markers
- Annual green events full of educational information
- Adopt-a-Drain Program
For more information, visit our stormwater public education and involvement page.
Private Stormwater System Inspection Program
Our Public Works Department inspects private stormwater systems to ensure they’re being maintained and functioning properly. Find out more about the Private Stormwater System Inspection Program.
Angle Lake Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan
Through Department of Ecology grant funding, we helped develop an Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Plan (IAVMP) for Angle Lake. The IAVMP is a resource for all lakefront property owners and lake users. The aquatic plant management goals—which a stakeholder committee developed—are intended to preserve and protect Angle Lake.
Areas that don’t work for low impact development (LID)
We created a series of web maps that indicate areas that are infeasible for low impact development (LID) projects. This action promotes development and limits the financial impact on the community by state LID requirements put into effect January 1, 2017.
For more information about these maps, visit our LID infeasibility page.
Related documents and resources
These documents provide more information about the Surface Water and Stormwater Management Program: