Happy Stormwater Awareness Week! 

What is stormwater? 

Stormwater is just another word for the rainwater that falls on our cities. The storm drains on our streets are connected to a network of pipes that carry rainwater to the nearest creek, pond, or lake. Some of the downspouts on our homes and businesses are also connected to these underground systems. The stormwater system moves water away from our neighborhoods, helping  prevent flooding during rain storms.  

What is stormwater awareness week? 

Stormwater Awareness week began in 2024 to help raise awareness about the impacts of stormwater on our local water bodies, including our creeks, Lake Washington, and Puget Sound. The 2nd Annual Stormwater Awareness Week will be held from October 6th-11th. 

OK, but why should I care about stormwater? Why do we need to be aware of it? 

Kirkland has a separated storm and sewer system. This means water from your toilet and sink travel to a wastewater treatment station, but water that flows into the storm system almost always flows straight into the nearest creek or Lake Washington without being filtered or treated in any way.  This means that pollutants that enter the storm system are also entering our creeks and the lake. Pollutants such as fertilizer from gardens, un-scooped pet poop, oil from car leaks, and soap from car washes all flow to our creeks, where they can damage the habitat and make animals sick.  

 

 

The amount of water entering the storm system all at once matters too. In a natural system the trees and the soil catch and absorb most of the rainfall, even during heavy storms. However, in our cities, the amount of land that is covered by impervious surfaces – surfaces where water can’t soak in, such as pavement and rooftops – means that this water can’t soak in to the ground and is quickly moved through the storm system to the creeks. When a lot of water enters the storm system at once it can cause flooding in the creeks, damaging ecosystems and endangering nearby homes. 

What is the City doing to celebrate Stormwater Awareness Week? 

The City of Kirkland is packing this week full of activities designed to raise awareness, prevent pollution, and inspire stewardship of our local waterways! Here are some of the activities we have going on: 

• We’re hosting Stormwater Storytime on October 10th at the Kingsgate Library at 10:30. Our book selection is “Little Beaver and the Echo.” There will be puppets! There will be songs! There will be silliness! 

• Rainworks installations will be revealed at Peter Kirk Park, Kirkland Middle School, and John Muir Elementary. Rainworks art installations are water-resistant, eco friendly paints applied to concrete that reveal hidden art and messages when it rains! Check out the ones at the park next time it rains! 

• Our team is installing storm drain markers to help spread the “only rain down the storm drain” message. If you would love to do this in your neighborhood, we would love to have your help! 

• We’ll be rolling out more education on this blog all week to help you map the storm system in your neighborhood, check out the water quality score in your local creek, and explore options for adapting your property with Green Stormwater Infrastructure. Stay tuned!
  

  Bring your young kiddos to Stormwater Story Time at the Kingsgate Library, 10/10 at 10:30!

 

What can I do to help protect our creeks? 

Inspired? Here are some things that you can do at home and around town to help improve water quality in local creeks and Lake Washington: 

• Be the solution to pollution! Most of us can adapt our habits to reduce the amount of pollution entering our creeks. Click here to learn more about what you can do for clean water, and take our Clean Water Pledge! 

• Plant trees! Trees help slow and filter rainwater that falls on them, helping to prevent flooding in our creeks. Our tree rebate program grants up to $150 per tree and up to $500 total per property to plant trees! 

• Check your downspouts – Do your downspouts go underground? If so, they may be directly connected to the storm system, which means that water that hits your roof may contribute to flooding during rainstorms. Our Yard Smart program helps you evaluate whether your property may be eligible for up to $5,000 in rebates to disconnect downspouts and redirect that water into a rain garden or native landscaping. Book a consultation now!