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As a stormwater utility, SWM provides services to keep people safe and to keep our rivers, lakes, streams, and Puget Sound healthy. These services are funded by annual SWM utility charges paid by property owners in unincorporated Snohomish County. Property owners help pay for solutions because each property contributes runoff to local ditches, streams, or groundwater, and SWM is responsible for managing many of the downstream surface water systems.
Learn more about SWM utility charges on our website.
 SWM staff collect in-stream data to monitor water quality.
To function properly, storm drainage facilities, such as detention ponds, vaults, and biofiltration swales, need regular maintenance. SWM staff conduct inspections of these facilities to comply with the county’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, which is mandated by the federal Clean Water Act. The program’s goal is to help facility owners reduce flooding of private property and public roads, improve water quality, and protect aquatic habitat. In 2022, the SWM team completed 1,374 drainage facility inspections and investigated 233 drainage complaints.
To report a drainage problem, submit a Drainage Investigation Request Form or call the SWM office, 425-388-3464.
 SWM staff inspect a drainage facility in Snohomish County.
In 2022, SWM completed 12 projects in partnership with Public Works, with a total construction cost of $3.4 million.
- Five fish-barrier culverts were replaced under county roads (one was also failing) to provide additional upstream spawning habitat for fish, including endangered-species-act-listed salmon.
- Three projects improved conveyance and reduced flooding potential of county roads.
- Three addressed erosion and flooding associated with drainage facilities.
- One project updated a stormwater facility to improve water quality treatment.
One example is the 184th Place SE project which replaced a fish barrier culvert with one designed to improve fish passage. Learn more on the fish passage culvert program webpage.
 184th Place SE culvert before construction was a barrier to fish (downstream end).
 184th Street SE culvert after construction will improve fish passage (downstream end).
In December 2022, SWM was awarded a $5.85 million construction grant for the Thomas’ Eddy Restoration Project from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s National Coastal Resilience Fund. This project will restore hydraulic connection to 200+ acres of Snohomish River floodplain, improve off-channel and riparian habitat, and improve trail conditions and recreational access. Once completed, it will enhance and maintain critical rearing and spawning habitat for the Snohomish Basin’s Endangered Species Act-listed Chinook salmon, bull trout and steelhead, as well as coho, chum, and pink salmon.
Learn more on the project webpage.
 Restoration at Thomas’ Eddy will address frequent trail flooding and improve fish habitat.
In 2022, Snohomish County completed its Little Bear Creek Stormwater Management Action Plan (SMAP). As an NPDES permit requirement, Snohomish County developed this action plan that identifies stormwater management actions (programs and projects) and land management/development strategies. It includes short-term actions for the first six years and long-term actions to be accomplished within seven to 20 years. The plan was developed with input from stakeholders and the public, including a public meeting held on November 17, 2022.
To learn more about the development of this plan, visit the webpage.
 SWM held a public meeting in November to discuss the Little Bear Creek Stormwater Management Action Plan.
RainScaping, SWM’s new technical assistance program, launched in 2022. RainScaping helps “do-it-yourself” households put into practice solutions for their yard to help rainwater soak in rather than run off. Find step-by-step guidance at www.RainScaping.info. The website includes the downloadable RainScaping Guide, Spanish language materials, information on how to sign up for updates including upcoming events and workshops. The 2023 RainScaping events will include topical online workshops and an in-person RainScaping Expo.
Visit www.RainScaping.info to learn more.
 Download the RainScaping Guide to find runoff solutions for your home.
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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Shinglebolt Slough Restoration Project Public Meeting – March 8: SWM is hosting an in-person public meeting to share project updates and design alternatives for the Shinglebolt Slough Restoration project, located south of the City of Sultan.
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When: March 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
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Where: Sultan High School Commons (1000 Turk Dr, Sultan, WA 98294)
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Natural Lawn Care Workshop – April 11 or 13: Register today for a free and online workshop, either Tuesday, April 11 or Thursday, April 13, from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
- Grow a beautiful, healthy lawn that keeps children and pets safe and our waters healthy. In this workshop you will learn easy, least-toxic ways to grow a healthier lawn.
 Natural Lawn Care Workshop, April 11 or 13 – Register today.
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