Stormwater awareness, flood safety tips, urban tree canopy news, and more





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Conservation and Natural Resources, Surface Water Management - Utility News header




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This Weekend Wraps Up Washington’s Stormwater Awareness Week October 6-11

For the past several years, SWM has coordinated outreach activities in support of this statewide effort along with other regional counties and cities. The State of Washington is calling upon each citizen and business to protect our waterbodies by participating in stormwater awareness events and activities. In Snohomish County you can help prevent pollution [ [link removed] ] when you:


* Attend a Septic Care Workshop – online anytime [ [link removed] ]
* Properly dispose of pet waste [ [link removed] ] to keep harmful bacteria out of local waters
* Practice natural yard care [ [link removed] ] to protect your family and our environment
* Maintain your car’s tires to reduce wear and _prevent tire pollution [ [link removed] ]_ that is toxic to fish
* Learn RainScaping solutions [ [link removed] ] that work with rainwater to improve your yard

This week and every day, we urge residents to support clean water and healthy habitat. Discover how to make a difference and be part of the solution!

Mulch Matters_RainScaping Tips

"RainScaping practices reduce yard maintenance and help rainwater soak in. "

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Keep Your Storm Drains Clear and Prepare for Flood Season

The return of the rain means it’s time to prepare for potential flooding. Protect your property and prevent flooded streets by keeping storm drains near your home free of leaves and debris. To report a drainage problem, submit a drainage investigation request, [ [link removed] ] or call the SWM office, 425-388-3464.

The Snohomish County Flood Safety Guide [ [link removed] ] provides up-to-date information, emergency contacts and tips on how residents can reduce their flood risks, prepare for flooding, and stay safe during and after a flood event.

Flood Safety Guide 2025

"Snohomish County's Flood Guide shares resources to help residents prepare for flood season."

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Sign Up for Real-Time River Information

Did you know that we’ve added river-gauge notifications to the Real-Time Flood Information Center? Anyone can sign up for text or email notifications when any of the 16 river gauges in the county reach flood phases 2 through 4.  Individuals can select specific river gauges and flood phases they wish to monitor and will be notified when the river exceeds the flood phase(s), and when it recedes below the flood phase(s) they signed up for. 

These notifications are different from the SnoCoAlerts system managed by Emergency Management. While SnoCoAlerts provide life-safety information and directives for immediate action, the river gauge notifications are informational and based on real-time conditions without forecasting future flood scenarios. 

To sign up, go to [link removed] [ [link removed] ], click “Subscribe to Flood Notifications”, select which river basin you are interested in, then select the gauge and phase.

Real-time River Gauge Alerts

"Sign up for real-time river gauge notifications at [link removed]. "

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Promotores Volunteers Help Spanish-Speaking Community Care for the Environment

This spring, in partnership with WSU Extension, we offered *"_Promotores del Agua_"* - a comprehensive introduction to stormwater management, watersheds, and water pollution in-language for the Spanish-speaking community. Participants explored the topics of rain gardens, sustainable yard care, wastewater systems, salmon restoration, and more, with practical community projects and rain barrel construction. Then graduate interns from the class helped staff booths at community events over the summer to share what they’ve learned about keeping our waters clean and healthy. To learn more visit: [link removed] [ [link removed] ]

Promotores Volunteers_Rain Barrels

"Participants built community rain barrels as part of Promotores del Agua. "

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Where the Sidewalk Meets the Forest: Urban Tree Canopy Policies

As part of the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update passed in December 2024, the Snohomish County Council voted to add a new Urban Tree Canopy sub-element to the Natural Environment Element [ [link removed] ] of the Comprehensive Plan. The Urban Tree Canopy sub-element contains a new goal, objectives, and policies [ [link removed] ] aimed at preserving and enhancing tree canopy in unincorporated urban growth areas. It prioritizes preserving existing tree canopy, developing a management plan, and seeking recognition as an Evergreen Community [ [link removed] ].  

A cross-departmental implementation committee has been convened and is currently working on next steps to implement the policies outlined in the sub-element. Learn more about this project by exploring:


* The Urban Tree Canopy Policies Implementation webpage [ [link removed] ],  
* The Urban Tree Canopy GIS map [ [link removed] ] to see where tree canopy coverage currently exists in Snohomish County. 
Urban Tree Canopy

"Program aims to provide healthy urban forests in urban unincorporated areas."

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Construction at Thomas’ Eddy Will Bring Park Closures in 2026

The Thomas’ Eddy Restoration project [ [link removed] ] on the Snohomish River is set to go to construction in spring of 2026. Large scale construction will require Bob Heirman Wildlife Park to be closed for much of 2026 and 2027, this includes access to anglers. Throughout the coming fall and winter, SWM and Parks will keep the public updated about closure dates for this popular park. Once completed, this 200-acre floodplain restoration project will benefit fish, wildlife and people. Learn more and sign up for updates: Thomas' Eddy Restoration Project | Snohomish County, WA - Official Website [ [link removed] ]

AerialView_ThomasEddy

"Aerial View of Snohomish River at Thomas’ Eddy, Bob Heirman Wildlife Park"

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Upcoming Public Events and Workshops

Learn more about upcoming SWM co-sponsored events and workshops on our events webpage [ [link removed] ].

Focus on Farming 2025
* *Focus on Farming Conference – Wednesday, November 5, all day | Evergreen State Fair Park in Monroe, WA*
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* Grab your tickets for Focus on Farming & Forestry -- the only one-day gathering for all types of farming in one location. Conference tickets give you access to 24 breakout sessions, two keynote speakers, pastry breakfast and farm to table lunch prepared by Russell Lowell.
* Click here to view the session tracks and purchase tickets. [ [link removed] ]


* *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 [ [link removed] ]
* Visit the Savvy Septic Program website [ [link removed] ] to learn more.

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3000 Rockefeller Ave. · Everett, WA 98201 · (425) 388-3411



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