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Whether it’s winter highs or summer lows, people who live near lakes are directly affected by seasonal changes in lake levels. In fact, this is one of the most common questions that SWM staff receive from lake residents. To help provide answers, SWM has launched a new webpage with the resources you need to understand and adapt to changing lake levels, including:
- Where lake level data is being tracked and how to view it,
- Reasons we are having higher winter levels and lower summer levels,
- Ways to adapt your shoreline to cope with changing lake levels, and
- Options you can take if there are blockages or beavers affecting your lake’s outlet.
Learn more here.
 Seasonal changes in lake levels can submerge docks and piers like this one.
This past year, SWM worked with other Public Works divisions to complete nine projects for a total construction cost of $3.41M. Four projects were completed by contract construction and five by the County Road Maintenance group, including:
- Four failing culvert replacement projects ($160k)
- Two drainage improvement and flood reduction projects ($590k)
- Three fish passage culvert replacement projects ($2.66M)
The Mann Road project (pictured below) replaced two failing undersized fish barrier culverts with a 20-ft wide, 6-ft tall concrete box culvert to reduce recurring road flooding and improve fish passage.
Learn more about SWM’s fish passage program here.
 Failing Haystack Creek culvert at Mann Road - before construction (looking downstream).
 Improved Haystack Creek culvert at Mann Road - after construction (looking upstream).
SWM hosted a Streamside Landowner Workshop November 3, 2021 in partnership with the Snohomish Conservation District. This webinar provided landowners with the information and resources to steward their streams and rivers that flow through or adjacent to their property. Topics covered in the workshop include:
- invasive species control,
- native species,
- stream ecology, and
- resources for technical assistance.
Workshop attendees from 47 households had the opportunity to sign up for site visits from staff and potentially qualify for project assistance. A recording of the webinar can be viewed here. To learn more about the program, visit: https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/862/Streams.
 Visit the website to view a recording of the recent Streamside Landowner Workshop.
SWM staff recently worked with partners to produce a Septic System Care Video for Snohomish County residents. The video provides a basic introduction to septic care:
- If you have a septic system and want to learn how to take care of it, we have resources to help you.
- A little bit of maintenance goes a long way to save you money, protect our water, and keep your system running for years to come.
This was a true collaboration, with grant funding through the Snohomish-Stillaguamish LIO, video production from Transect Films, and staff contributions from SWM, Savvy Septic, & the Office of Energy and Sustainability, and the Snohomish Health District.
Watch the video here or visit snohomishcountywa.gov/septic to learn more about SWM’s Septic Care program.
 Registration is currently open for the next round of workshops, scheduled for February 1 and 2, 2022.
Upcoming Public Events and Workshops
Learn more about upcoming SWM co-sponsored events and workshops on our events webpage. For the upcoming events below, pre-registration is required. Participants must have an email address and internet access.
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Septic System Care Workshop – February 1 or 2: SWM is hosting free, online Septic System Care Workshops. Register today to attend either Tuesday February 1 or Wednesday February 2, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
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Natural Lawn Care Workshop – April 26 or 27: Free & Online! Register today for either Tuesday, April 26 or Wednesday, April 27, 6:30 – 8:00p.m. Grow a beautiful, healthy lawn that keeps children and pets safe and our waters healthy.
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