Stormwater Management

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Within the Public Works Department's Surface Water Utility Division, there is a dedicated group whose primary focus is to manage the city's stormwater systems through maintenance, programs, and policies to protect the community, wildlife, and bodies of water from pollutants.


What is stormwater management? Stormwater is rainwater. Stormwater runoff from streets, sidewalks, and driveways flows directly into storm drains and ditches to streams, wetlands, and lakes. This runoff washes pollutants into surface waters, harming water quality and fish habitat.

Stormwater management is important because:

  • Prevents roads from flooding during heavy rainfall
  • Protects animals and their habitat
  • Protects streams, ponds, and lakes to allow for continued recreational use
  • Minimizes the pollutants that come from pollution


Why do you pay utilities for stormwater management? What does it contribute to? Renton’s drainage system is a citywide utility.

All properties in Renton benefit from a robust stormwater management program and as such pay surface water utility drainage fees, which are authorized by state law.

These fees fund the maintenance and cleaning of Renton’s stormwater systems; efforts to reduce stormwater pollution and improve water quality in creeks and rivers; and projects aimed at reducing flooding, resolving drainage issues, and restoring fish habitat.


How can you help? While there is a dedicated team within the city to help protect our bodies of water from being polluted, it takes a whole community working together

  • Follow these care tips (car washing, addressing leaks, tire pressure) to prevent the creation of pollutants.
  • Clear leaves and debris from stormwater drains.
  • Recycle used motor oil and dispose of household hazardous waste properly.
  • Use safe, non-toxic solutions to manage plant problems and utilize natural yard care practices.
  • Pick up and dispose of pet waste. It is not fertilizer and can flow into streams, rivers, and lakes causing containments in the water.
  • Educate yourself! The city partners with several organizations such as the Seattle Aquarium during the fall for the Cedar River Salmon Journey, to help educate residents on the impacts and solutions for preventing toxins from entering our bodies of water. Follow this page for the latest engagement opportunities and upcoming events.
  • Share this information with your family, friends, and neighbors to help the community understand why these small efforts are important and the impact they have on Renton's well-being.


See a spill? Report it at 425-430-7400 or call 911 if the spill is a hazardous material.

Within the Public Works Department's Surface Water Utility Division, there is a dedicated group whose primary focus is to manage the city's stormwater systems through maintenance, programs, and policies to protect the community, wildlife, and bodies of water from pollutants.


What is stormwater management? Stormwater is rainwater. Stormwater runoff from streets, sidewalks, and driveways flows directly into storm drains and ditches to streams, wetlands, and lakes. This runoff washes pollutants into surface waters, harming water quality and fish habitat.

Stormwater management is important because:

  • Prevents roads from flooding during heavy rainfall
  • Protects animals and their habitat
  • Protects streams, ponds, and lakes to allow for continued recreational use
  • Minimizes the pollutants that come from pollution


Why do you pay utilities for stormwater management? What does it contribute to? Renton’s drainage system is a citywide utility.

All properties in Renton benefit from a robust stormwater management program and as such pay surface water utility drainage fees, which are authorized by state law.

These fees fund the maintenance and cleaning of Renton’s stormwater systems; efforts to reduce stormwater pollution and improve water quality in creeks and rivers; and projects aimed at reducing flooding, resolving drainage issues, and restoring fish habitat.


How can you help? While there is a dedicated team within the city to help protect our bodies of water from being polluted, it takes a whole community working together

  • Follow these care tips (car washing, addressing leaks, tire pressure) to prevent the creation of pollutants.
  • Clear leaves and debris from stormwater drains.
  • Recycle used motor oil and dispose of household hazardous waste properly.
  • Use safe, non-toxic solutions to manage plant problems and utilize natural yard care practices.
  • Pick up and dispose of pet waste. It is not fertilizer and can flow into streams, rivers, and lakes causing containments in the water.
  • Educate yourself! The city partners with several organizations such as the Seattle Aquarium during the fall for the Cedar River Salmon Journey, to help educate residents on the impacts and solutions for preventing toxins from entering our bodies of water. Follow this page for the latest engagement opportunities and upcoming events.
  • Share this information with your family, friends, and neighbors to help the community understand why these small efforts are important and the impact they have on Renton's well-being.


See a spill? Report it at 425-430-7400 or call 911 if the spill is a hazardous material.

Discussions: All (6) Open (6)
  • 2026 Stormwater Management Plan Now Available

    15 days ago
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    The Stormwater Management Program Plan describes the city’s planned actions and activities for the year to meet the requirements of the Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology.

    In March, the city issued a draft of the 2026 Stormwater Management Plan. Thank you for your feedback and recommendations. The final plan has been published for 2026, but feedback is accepted throughout the year to inform the 2027 plan.

    Please provide your comments on the Stormwater Management Program Plan on this project page or email Kristina Lowthian by December 31, 2026. Comments received after this date will be accepted for the following year's Stormwater Management Program Plan.


    The Stormwater Management Program Plan describes the city’s planned actions and activities for the year to meet the requirements of the Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology.

    In March, the city issued a draft of the 2026 Stormwater Management Plan. Thank you for your feedback and recommendations. The final plan has been published for 2026, but feedback is accepted throughout the year to inform the 2027 plan.

    Please provide your comments on the Stormwater Management Program Plan on this project page or email Kristina Lowthian by December 31, 2026. Comments received after this date will be accepted for the following year's Stormwater Management Program Plan.


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  • City of Renton Public Works Garners Top Recognition from APWA

    3 days ago
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    RENTON, WA (APRIL 27, 2026) – The City of Renton’s Public Works Department was awarded Project of the Year from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Washington Chapter for the Monroe Avenue Stormwater Facility project at the 2026 APWA Spring Conference on Friday, April 17.

    The project won in two categories: Environment (projects from $5M-$25M) and Sustainability. Only ten projects in the state received an APWA 2026 Project of the Year Award.  

    On the qualifications for an APWA award, Kristina Nelson, APWA Washington Chapter Award Committee Chair, commented: “These projects exemplify the very best of public works—delivering innovative, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure that strengthens communities and enhances the quality of life for residents across Washington State.” 

    Completed in January 2025, the Monroe Avenue stormwater infiltration facility is the largest in Western Washington. Stormwater from 260 acres of the Renton Highlands flows into a three-acre facility, passing through several cleaning stages to remove debris and pollutants.  

    After treatment, the clean water soaks into the ground, recharges groundwater aquifers, and feeds the Cedar River – all while eliminating operational energy use and integrating habitat protection. The facility’s construction replaced an old gravel pit previously intended to be used on a temporary basis to handle heavy rains. 

    “This award highlights what Renton strives for every day—providing innovative solutions for both our residents and our environment. Our stormwater team’s creativity and responsibility with the Monroe Avenue Stormwater Facility project is an example of how we can build smarter, protect our waterways, and invest in a healthier future for our community,” said Mayor Armondo Pavone. 

    This project was completed four months ahead of schedule, under budget, and with minimal construction changes. It represents a major step forward in how Renton manages stormwater in a growing urban area. The project was completed in partnership with consultant Otak, Inc. and construction partner KLB Construction. The Washington Department of Ecology provided 85% of the funding for construction through stormwater quality grant funds.   

    This marks the second award for the City of Renton Public Works team for their work on the Monroe Avenue Stormwater Facility. Earlier in the year, the project was recognized by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Washington (ACEC-WA) with a Gold Award for Uniqueness and/or Innovative Application of New or Existing Techniques.

    RENTON, WA (APRIL 27, 2026) – The City of Renton’s Public Works Department was awarded Project of the Year from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Washington Chapter for the Monroe Avenue Stormwater Facility project at the 2026 APWA Spring Conference on Friday, April 17.

    The project won in two categories: Environment (projects from $5M-$25M) and Sustainability. Only ten projects in the state received an APWA 2026 Project of the Year Award.  

    On the qualifications for an APWA award, Kristina Nelson, APWA Washington Chapter Award Committee Chair, commented: “These projects exemplify the very best of public works—delivering innovative, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure that strengthens communities and enhances the quality of life for residents across Washington State.” 

    Completed in January 2025, the Monroe Avenue stormwater infiltration facility is the largest in Western Washington. Stormwater from 260 acres of the Renton Highlands flows into a three-acre facility, passing through several cleaning stages to remove debris and pollutants.  

    After treatment, the clean water soaks into the ground, recharges groundwater aquifers, and feeds the Cedar River – all while eliminating operational energy use and integrating habitat protection. The facility’s construction replaced an old gravel pit previously intended to be used on a temporary basis to handle heavy rains. 

    “This award highlights what Renton strives for every day—providing innovative solutions for both our residents and our environment. Our stormwater team’s creativity and responsibility with the Monroe Avenue Stormwater Facility project is an example of how we can build smarter, protect our waterways, and invest in a healthier future for our community,” said Mayor Armondo Pavone. 

    This project was completed four months ahead of schedule, under budget, and with minimal construction changes. It represents a major step forward in how Renton manages stormwater in a growing urban area. The project was completed in partnership with consultant Otak, Inc. and construction partner KLB Construction. The Washington Department of Ecology provided 85% of the funding for construction through stormwater quality grant funds.   

    This marks the second award for the City of Renton Public Works team for their work on the Monroe Avenue Stormwater Facility. Earlier in the year, the project was recognized by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Washington (ACEC-WA) with a Gold Award for Uniqueness and/or Innovative Application of New or Existing Techniques.

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  • City of Renton wins Gold Award for Monroe Avenue Stormwater Facility

    2 days ago
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    The City of Renton and its contractor Otak Inc. have been recognized for excellence in engineering innovation. In February 2026, the city and Otak received the Gold Award for Uniqueness and/or Innovative Application of New or Existing Techniques from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Washington (ACEC-WA). The award recognizes the Monroe Avenue Stormwater Facility, a project completed in January 2025.

    Inside the Monroe Avenue Stormwater Facility 

    The facility, located on Monroe Avenue across from the Jimi Hendrix Memorial, is now the largest stormwater infiltration facility in Western Washington.  

    Stormwater from 260 acres of the Renton Highlands flows into this facility. As the water moves through the system, it passes through several cleaning stages that remove debris, pollutants, and even fine dust. 

    After treatment, the clean water soaks into the ground, recharges groundwater aquifers, and feeds the Cedar River. 

    The facility eliminated the need to use an old gravel pit to handle the heavy rain we saw in December 2025. It is situated on 3 acres of land that the city purchased from the property owner to construct this project. 

    For a more detailed look at the project and how the infiltration facility works, please visit here

     

    Cleaner water for Renton’s future 

    Stormwater is rainwater. But when it runs off driveways, sidewalks, and streets, it picks up pollutants along the way. That runoff flows into storm drains and eventually into streams, wetlands, and lakes without treatment. Facilities like this one that treat and infiltrate stormwater help keep our community and our drinking water safe and healthy. 

    Learn ways you can help keep protect our bodies of water from being polluted here

    Acknowledgements

     This project was completed four months ahead of schedule, under budget, and with minimal construction changes. It represents a major step forward in how Renton manages stormwater in a growing urban area. 

    Thank you to the City of Renton Public Works Department and Otak for your partnership in delivering this breakthrough facility to the Highlands Neighborhood. 

    Special thanks to the Department of Ecology as well for funding 85% of the project construction cost through Stormwater quality grant funds. 

    Get involved  

    Each year, the Public Works Department revises our Stormwater Management Program Plan. Learn more about this year’s draft plan and provide your feedback on our website by March 9.  

    The City of Renton and its contractor Otak Inc. have been recognized for excellence in engineering innovation. In February 2026, the city and Otak received the Gold Award for Uniqueness and/or Innovative Application of New or Existing Techniques from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Washington (ACEC-WA). The award recognizes the Monroe Avenue Stormwater Facility, a project completed in January 2025.

    Inside the Monroe Avenue Stormwater Facility 

    The facility, located on Monroe Avenue across from the Jimi Hendrix Memorial, is now the largest stormwater infiltration facility in Western Washington.  

    Stormwater from 260 acres of the Renton Highlands flows into this facility. As the water moves through the system, it passes through several cleaning stages that remove debris, pollutants, and even fine dust. 

    After treatment, the clean water soaks into the ground, recharges groundwater aquifers, and feeds the Cedar River. 

    The facility eliminated the need to use an old gravel pit to handle the heavy rain we saw in December 2025. It is situated on 3 acres of land that the city purchased from the property owner to construct this project. 

    For a more detailed look at the project and how the infiltration facility works, please visit here

     

    Cleaner water for Renton’s future 

    Stormwater is rainwater. But when it runs off driveways, sidewalks, and streets, it picks up pollutants along the way. That runoff flows into storm drains and eventually into streams, wetlands, and lakes without treatment. Facilities like this one that treat and infiltrate stormwater help keep our community and our drinking water safe and healthy. 

    Learn ways you can help keep protect our bodies of water from being polluted here

    Acknowledgements

     This project was completed four months ahead of schedule, under budget, and with minimal construction changes. It represents a major step forward in how Renton manages stormwater in a growing urban area. 

    Thank you to the City of Renton Public Works Department and Otak for your partnership in delivering this breakthrough facility to the Highlands Neighborhood. 

    Special thanks to the Department of Ecology as well for funding 85% of the project construction cost through Stormwater quality grant funds. 

    Get involved  

    Each year, the Public Works Department revises our Stormwater Management Program Plan. Learn more about this year’s draft plan and provide your feedback on our website by March 9.  

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  • Provide your thoughts on the DRAFT 2026 Stormwater Management Plan

    5 months ago
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    The City of Renton is issued a Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit (NPDES) by the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology). The NPDES permit helps control and reduce pollutants through a mapped-out program. Through this permit, the city is responsible for creating a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP). This program includes: 

    1. Informing and assisting in policy and strategy development to be used as tools for protect receiving waters.
    2. Building residents' awareness of stormwater impacts, empowering the public to change behaviors that can lead to less pollution, and providing opportunities for the public to contribute to the quality of life for the community.
    3. Providing opportunities for the public to get involved in the development, implementation, and update of the SWMP and SMAP. 
    4. Creating maps and documentation of the storm sewer system in the city.
    5. Preventing and detecting illegal discharges such as dumping, sewer overflow, and spills into the storm sewer system.  
    6. Reducing pollutants in stormwater runoff from new developments, redevelopment, and construction site activities.
    7. Controlling pollutants in stormwater runoff from areas of existing development. 
    8. Preventing and reducing pollutant runoff from areas that discharge to the storm sewer system.
    9. Regulating and conducting maintenance activities to prevent or reduce pollutant runoff. 

    Comments closed for the 2026 Stormwater Management Program Plan on March 9th. 

    Do you see anything missing or needs to be updated? Provide your comments for the 2027 Stormwater Management Program Plan. Review the full plan and programming.

     


    The City of Renton is issued a Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit (NPDES) by the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology). The NPDES permit helps control and reduce pollutants through a mapped-out program. Through this permit, the city is responsible for creating a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP). This program includes: 

    1. Informing and assisting in policy and strategy development to be used as tools for protect receiving waters.
    2. Building residents' awareness of stormwater impacts, empowering the public to change behaviors that can lead to less pollution, and providing opportunities for the public to contribute to the quality of life for the community.
    3. Providing opportunities for the public to get involved in the development, implementation, and update of the SWMP and SMAP. 
    4. Creating maps and documentation of the storm sewer system in the city.
    5. Preventing and detecting illegal discharges such as dumping, sewer overflow, and spills into the storm sewer system.  
    6. Reducing pollutants in stormwater runoff from new developments, redevelopment, and construction site activities.
    7. Controlling pollutants in stormwater runoff from areas of existing development. 
    8. Preventing and reducing pollutant runoff from areas that discharge to the storm sewer system.
    9. Regulating and conducting maintenance activities to prevent or reduce pollutant runoff. 

    Comments closed for the 2026 Stormwater Management Program Plan on March 9th. 

    Do you see anything missing or needs to be updated? Provide your comments for the 2027 Stormwater Management Program Plan. Review the full plan and programming.

     


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  • 2025 Stormwater Management Plan

    about 1 year ago
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    In March, the city issued a draft of the 2025 Stormwater Management Plan. Thank you for your feedback and recommendations. The final plan has been published for 2025, but feedback is accepted throughout the year to inform the 2026 plan.

    The City of Renton is issued aPhase II Municipal Separate Stormwater Permit (NPDES)by the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology). The NPDES permit regulates discharges from the City’s storm system. Through this permit, the city is responsible for creating aStormwater Management Program (SWMP). This program includes:  

    1. Informing and assisting in policy and strategy development to be used as tools for protect receiving waters.

    2. Building residents' awareness of stormwater impacts, empowering the public to change behaviors that can lead to less pollution, and providing opportunities for the public to contribute to the quality of life for the community. 

    3. Providing opportunities for the public to get involved in the development, implementation, and update of the SWMP and SMAP. 
    4. Creating maps and documentation of the storm sewer system in the city. 
    5. Preventing and detecting illegal discharges such as dumping, sewer overflow, and spills into the storm sewer system. 
    6. Reducing pollutants in stormwater runoff from new developments, redevelopment, and construction site activities. 
    7. Controlling pollutants in stormwater runoff from areas of existing development. 
    8. Preventing and reducing pollutant runoff from areas that discharge to the storm sewer system. 
    9. Regulating and conducting maintenance activities to prevent or reduce pollutant runoff.  


    Do you see anything missing or needs to be updated? Provide you feedback on the 2025 Stormwater Management Program Plan byDecember 31.Review the full plan and programming. 

     

    In March, the city issued a draft of the 2025 Stormwater Management Plan. Thank you for your feedback and recommendations. The final plan has been published for 2025, but feedback is accepted throughout the year to inform the 2026 plan.

    The City of Renton is issued aPhase II Municipal Separate Stormwater Permit (NPDES)by the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology). The NPDES permit regulates discharges from the City’s storm system. Through this permit, the city is responsible for creating aStormwater Management Program (SWMP). This program includes:  

    1. Informing and assisting in policy and strategy development to be used as tools for protect receiving waters.

    2. Building residents' awareness of stormwater impacts, empowering the public to change behaviors that can lead to less pollution, and providing opportunities for the public to contribute to the quality of life for the community. 

    3. Providing opportunities for the public to get involved in the development, implementation, and update of the SWMP and SMAP. 
    4. Creating maps and documentation of the storm sewer system in the city. 
    5. Preventing and detecting illegal discharges such as dumping, sewer overflow, and spills into the storm sewer system. 
    6. Reducing pollutants in stormwater runoff from new developments, redevelopment, and construction site activities. 
    7. Controlling pollutants in stormwater runoff from areas of existing development. 
    8. Preventing and reducing pollutant runoff from areas that discharge to the storm sewer system. 
    9. Regulating and conducting maintenance activities to prevent or reduce pollutant runoff.  


    Do you see anything missing or needs to be updated? Provide you feedback on the 2025 Stormwater Management Program Plan byDecember 31.Review the full plan and programming. 

     

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  • Provide your thoughts on the DRAFT 2025 Stormwater Management Plan

    over 1 year ago
    Share Provide your thoughts on the DRAFT 2025 Stormwater Management Plan on Facebook Share Provide your thoughts on the DRAFT 2025 Stormwater Management Plan on X (formerly Twitter) Share Provide your thoughts on the DRAFT 2025 Stormwater Management Plan on Linkedin Email Provide your thoughts on the DRAFT 2025 Stormwater Management Plan link

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    The City of Renton is issued a Phase II Municipal Separate Stormwater Permit (NPDES) by the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology). The NPDES permit helps control and reduce pollutants through a mapped-out program. Through this permit, the city is responsible for creating a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP). This program includes: 

    1. Informing and assisting in policy and strategy development to be used as tools for protect receiving waters.
    2. Building residents' awareness of stormwater impacts, empowering the public to change behaviors that can lead to less pollution, and providing opportunities for the public to contribute to the quality of life for the community.
    3. Providing opportunities for the public to get involved in the development, implementation, and update of the SWMP and SMAP. 
    4. Creating maps and documentation of the storm sewer system in the city.
    5. Preventing and detecting illegal discharges such as dumping, sewer overflow, and spills into the storm sewer system.  
    6. Reducing pollutants in stormwater runoff from new developments, redevelopment, and construction site activities.
    7. Controlling pollutants in stormwater runoff from areas of existing development. 
    8. Preventing and reducing pollutant runoff from areas that discharge to the storm sewer system.
    9. Regulating and conducting maintenance activities to prevent or reduce pollutant runoff. 


    Do you see anything missing or needs to be updated? Provide you feedback on the 2025 Stormwater Management Program Plan by March 21.Review the full plan and programming.

    The City of Renton is issued a Phase II Municipal Separate Stormwater Permit (NPDES) by the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology). The NPDES permit helps control and reduce pollutants through a mapped-out program. Through this permit, the city is responsible for creating a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP). This program includes: 

    1. Informing and assisting in policy and strategy development to be used as tools for protect receiving waters.
    2. Building residents' awareness of stormwater impacts, empowering the public to change behaviors that can lead to less pollution, and providing opportunities for the public to contribute to the quality of life for the community.
    3. Providing opportunities for the public to get involved in the development, implementation, and update of the SWMP and SMAP. 
    4. Creating maps and documentation of the storm sewer system in the city.
    5. Preventing and detecting illegal discharges such as dumping, sewer overflow, and spills into the storm sewer system.  
    6. Reducing pollutants in stormwater runoff from new developments, redevelopment, and construction site activities.
    7. Controlling pollutants in stormwater runoff from areas of existing development. 
    8. Preventing and reducing pollutant runoff from areas that discharge to the storm sewer system.
    9. Regulating and conducting maintenance activities to prevent or reduce pollutant runoff. 


    Do you see anything missing or needs to be updated? Provide you feedback on the 2025 Stormwater Management Program Plan by March 21.Review the full plan and programming.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

Page last updated: 07 Jul 2026, 03:34 PM