Stormwater is the water that drains off properties and streets, which gets conveyed to the surface water of natural streams and lakes. The City addresses stormwater in a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) utility. It is not sewage, which is collected in its own system (separate from stormwater), and managed by the Lake Stevens Sewer District. It is also not drinking water, which is delivered in a utility by the Public Utility District 1 of Snohomish County. Please visit this site for more information.

The National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a regulatory component of the Federal Clean Water Act that protects our surface waters through best management practices and requirements to implement stormwater management. For more information, visit the Stormwater Management page. 

Generally speaking, only rain should go down the drain. For a full list of allowable, conditional, and prohibited discharges, refer to the city code.

We have implemented a Source Control Program to help businesses implement best management practices for stormwater management. Please refer to city code outlining this program. For more information, contact environmentalprograms@lakestevenswa.gov. 

The rules are outlined in the city code.

Call the Public Works Department at 425-622-9403 or report it on the Service Request Portal If it’s safe and you’re able, you can clear debris yourself to help prevent flooding. 

While most stormwater flows untreated into our natural water bodies, some systems include treatment features such as detention vaults, stormwater ponds, or filter cartridges. These help capture and treat runoff, but not all areas are equipped with them. That’s why it’s still important to keep stormwater as clean as possible from the source. 

No. These must connect conditionally to the stormwater system or be discharged on-site according to city code. Connection to the city stormwater system requires a Right-of-Way (ROW) Permit. Contact Public Works for guidance at pw-info@lakestevenswa.gov.