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Fireworks have heavy metals, perchlorate and other pollutants that can harm people and the environment. The chemicals in fireworks can pollute our rivers, lakes, and streams when fireworks are detonated over waterbodies and when firework waste is not disposed of properly. See our list of good housekeeping tips for this Fourth of July holiday.
Visit the Snohomish County Fire Marshall’s webpage for information on where it is legal and illegal to discharge fireworks and tips to keep safe. If you have questions or would like to report a water pollution concern, please call the Water Quality Complaint Hotline at 425-388-6481 or use the on-line water pollution reporting system.
 Help us keep local waterways healthy by practicing good firework housekeeping.
Recent surveys by SWM’s State of Our Waters (SOW) monitoring team detected a highly invasive species, the New Zealand mud snail, in several local creeks in north Snohomish County near Stanwood:
- Hulbert Creek
- Jorgenson Slough
- Freedom Creek
- Douglas Creek
These tiny creatures – only 1/8 inch long – can hide on plants, watercraft, debris, boots, shoes, nets, and more. Once established, New Zealand mud snails are extremely difficult to control, and threaten food sources for salmon, steelhead and trout. You can help stop the spread of these aquatic hitchhikers and other harmful invasive species. Be sure you CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY your boat, kayak, and all gear before leaving a body of water. Learn more at https://snohomishcountywa.gov/invasives.
 Look for signs like these at boat launches, trail crossings and other access points to help stop the spread of invasive species.
On July 1, Snohomish County was awarded our fourth Floodplains by Design (FbD) grant for SWM’s Community Floodplains Solutions (CFS) Program totaling $10M. Grant benefits include:
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Increasing functional habitat and floodplain connections while reducing flooding impacts to local infrastructure: $1.1 million supports the Chinook Marsh project, reconnecting more than 400 acres of floodplain habitat while protecting critical infrastructure like the City of Everett water line.
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Protecting and enhancing farmland productivity: $1 million supports the Office of Agriculture’s Ag Tech Program (see article below), bringing leading-edge technology and data driven insights to local farmers at no cost.
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Strengthening community through collaboration: Nearly $4.5 million will be passed through to grant partners to advance important floodplain projects, including the Tulalip Tribes, Snohomish Conservation District, Washington Farmland Trust, Ducks Unlimited, and Adopt A Stream Foundation. The remaining $3.3 million will support the CFS program and projects that Snohomish County is implementing.
Read the full press release here.
 SWM staff and partners discuss the Chinook Marsh project onsite in August 2024.
The Snohomish County Ag Tech Program brings leading-edge technology and data-driven insights to farmers at no cost to the producer. Farmers can borrow available technologies to enhance productivity, optimize resource use, and promote sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring regional food security. By using only what farmer’s crops need, farmers can reduce their use of water, fertilizer and other inputs. This project was made possible by funding from Washington State’s Department of Ecology Floodplains By Design grant program.
Due to the funding sources of this program, it is currently only available to commercial farmers in the Snohomish watershed.
 A soil moisture sensor being installed in a field prior to planting.
We prepare the Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) Plan annually. The 2025 SWMP Plan describes the activities and programs the county will carry out to meet the requirements of the stormwater permit for the calendar year. If you would like to provide comments on the actions and programs described in the SWMP Plan please email us at: [email protected]
Snohomish County prepares the annual SWMP Plan to comply with federal clean water laws outlined in the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit.
Learn more about upcoming SWM co-sponsored events and workshops on our events webpage.
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Youth Beach Cleanup | Join Us in Protecting Our Shores
You’re Invited to join Snohomish County Councilmember Nate Nehring and the WSU Beach Watchers of Snohomish County for a fun and meaningful beach cleanup event at beautiful Kayak Point Park. Help keep our Puget Sound beaches clean and turn the day into a family outing. Children are encouraged to attend and participate.
- When: Saturday, July 12
- Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
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Where: Kayak Point Park – Stanwood, WA
Gloves, supplies and light refreshments provided. Dress for the weather. For more information, contact Councilmember Nehring’s office at [email protected].
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Help Shape Snohomish County’s Communitywide Climate Resiliency Plan
Climate change is already affecting Snohomish County — from stronger storms to hotter, drier summers. We're inviting community members like you to learn about the top local climate impacts and share your priorities for how we can better protect our communities, businesses, ecosystems, and infrastructure.
- When: Wednesday, July 30
- Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
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Where: Student Center at Mariner High School (200 120th St SW, Everett, WA 98204)
Snacks and refreshments provided. Youth and children are welcome!
Snohomish County is developing a Communitywide Climate Resiliency Plan (CwCRP) to make sure that we are prepared for a changing climate.
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Septic System Care Workshop – Available On-Demand!
- The popular Septic Care Workshop is now hosted by the Snohomish County Health Department, your go-to resource for questions about:
- septic system permitting,
- operation and maintenance requirements, and
- finding certified septic system contractors.
- Taking the workshop also makes you eligible to earn up to $500 in rebates and can help your property become LakeWise
- Visit the Savvy Septic Program website to learn more.
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