In 2025, the City continued its commitment to protecting local waterways through proactive stormwater maintenance, inspections, and community engagement. These efforts help keep water moving safely through the system, reduce pollution, and ensure compliance with state and federal environmental requirements.

Throughout the year, the Public Works Department cleared sediment from 217 storm drains and completed 95.7 percent of scheduled catch basin inspections, helping prevent flooding and identify maintenance needs before problems arise. In addition, 1,831 “Puget Sound Starts Here” markers were inspected to ensure they remain visible reminders that what enters storm drains flows directly to local creeks and Puget Sound. Street sweeping operations also played a major role, with crews covering 92.77 miles of roadway, removing debris before it could wash into waterways.

Storm drain cleaning activity was heaviest during the summer months, with July accounting for nearly 45 percent of all drains cleaned, followed by June (22.4 percent) and August (20.5 percent). These efforts are strategically timed to prepare the system ahead of seasonal weather changes.

Community involvement continued to strengthen the City’s stormwater program through Adopt-a-Drain. This year, community members adopted 32 new drains, bringing the total to 166 adopted drains citywide. Volunteers help keep drains clear year-round, reducing localized flooding, improving water quality, and supporting a healthier stormwater system overall. City Surface Water Management (SWM) Division staff tabled at five community events to raise awareness and encourage community participation in the Adopt-a-Drain program.

Clean and well-maintained storm drains play a critical role in protecting infrastructure and the environment. Regular inspections and maintenance help prevent flooding, catch spills early, guide repair priorities, protect local waterways, maintain NPDES compliance, and extend the lifespan of stormwater infrastructure.

Together, these efforts demonstrate how City operations and community stewardship work hand in hand to protect waterways, because what happens on our streets truly does flow downstream.