Who is responsible for your Stormwater Facility?

(It could be you!)

Don't get surprised with a broken system that you didn't know was yours.

(Did you know that private properties are responsible for maintaining their stormwater facilities?)

What is a Stormwater Facility?

Stormwater facilities come in many forms, but their job is all the same. They all collect rain and snow melted water that runs off hard surfaces and slow it down to allow pollutants to filter out.

Not all stormwater facilities are surrounded by a fence, so you might not have realized what it was. Stormwater facilities can look like lawns, gardens, or ponds, but they are actually working landscapes. (More on stormwater facilities on our website.)

Some facilities operate below the surface. These typically present themselves as manhole covers and curb drains but they could also be below permeable cement in places like parking lots. Because of the potential danger from underground confined spaces, a professional should be called to inspect the system. Stormwater facilities should have a design and management plan that was created when the system was constructed. It will include a map of the system and detail the kinds of maintenance required. In Skagit County, these documents can frequently be found on the County's website.)

Why do we need Stormwater Facilities?

Skagit County doesn't have big expensive stormwater processing plants that clean the water running off houses and into streets. That would take a huge installation that we don't have room for and can't afford to pay for. Instead, the water is managed on each small property site (See Rainscaping), each neighborhood retention or detention pond, or each commercial facility.

Without stormwater systems, polluted water would run straight into streams, lakes, and bays, polluting all our water and causing flooding issues.

(When water can’t filter into the soil, it has to go somewhere!)

How can I prevent problems?

Routine maintenance keeps systems working well and helps prevent expensive repairs. (Fixing the damage when it's small is much less expensive than having a big repair.) Most systems maintenance revolves around soil and sediments, weed control, and trash clogging systems.

Every facility should have a maintenance plan, someone in charge of managing that plan, and a record of all maintenance completed.

When Stormwater facilities aren't functioning, it can cause bigger problems than dirty water. It can cause damage to structures and people. Find out what you have before it becomes a problem. Check with your HOA, look in your property deed (Skagit County documents can be found online), reach out to a local agency, or attend our annual Stormwater Facilities Workshop to learn more.