Storm Drainage Utility

The Storm Drainage Utility was created to address recurring local flooding within the City of Auburn. The focus of the Utility is to effectively manage stormwater within the City through:

• Drainage system planning
• System improvement
• Development regulation
• System maintenance

The Storm Drainage Utility operates and maintains approximately 199 miles of pipe, 10,000 catch basins and manholes, 159 stormwater facilities, 6 pump stations and 27 miles of ditch. The storm system is designed to convey rainwater from the streets and properties of the City to nearby creeks and rivers.

In 2007 the City was issued a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit by the Washington State Department of Ecology. This requires the City to prepare and implement a stormwater management program to improve the quality of the water discharged from the City’s storm drainage system into the Green and White Rivers, Mill Creek, and into the groundwater below the City. The Storm Drainage Utility coordinates the City’s NPDES response as well as works on regional efforts to manage flooding and improve water quality.

Stormwater Pollution

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies stormwater as the biggest source of pollution to lakes, rivers, and streams in our country. The source of this pollution has been traced to how we as citizens live our daily lives. Rainwater picks up pollutants from the air, buildings, parking lots and from road surfaces. These pollutants include chemicals, oils, sand, dirt, pet waste and other debris.

Storm drains carry rainwater to the nearest natural body of water. Disposing of oils, detergents, pet waste and other materials into the storm drain is the same as dumping them directly into a stream, wetland, lake or Puget Sound.

We encourage people who live, work and play in Auburn to help keep our stormwater and natural water bodies clean. Removing contaminants from stormwater is not nearly as effective as eliminating the pollutant at the source. You can help us out by using some of the following suggestions:

• Clean up your pet waste - bag it and put it in the trash
• Wash your car at a car wash, or wash it on the lawn or where the wash water won't go into a storm drain
• Use fertilizers and pesticides sparingly
• Fix leaks of auto fluids and recycle oil at a local auto parts store

Storm Water Management Manual (Effective 02/16/2010)

Comprehensive Storm Plan

Volume I Report (PDF)

Volume II Appendices (PDF)

For more information on how you can help protect stormwater quality visit the following websites.

Auburn's Car Wash Kit Program

Puget Sound Starts Here

Water Quality Protection Department of Ecology's website.

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