Stormwater - Drainage

The City's stormwater drainage system includes streets, ditches, culverts, pipes, swales, detention ponds and other publicly-owned facilities that collect and/or convey stormwater. The natural drainage system consists of the Robinson Creek, Burris Creek, Horseshoe Lake and the Lewis River.  Some runoff ends up in ditches that are maintained by the Diking District.  Stormwater runoff rates are controlled by detention facilities in neighborhoods and at some commercial properties. Stormwater treatment is obtained by either grass swales or catch basin filters in newer areas.  Older parts of town that were developed prior to the current stormwater standards do not have stormwater treatment for runoff. 

Maintenance work includes:

• Spraying
• Street cleaning
• Ditch cleaning
• Catch basin cleaning
• Other similar activities

 As development occurs, the City seeks to minimize urban runoff that could carry bacteria and other pollutants into our local creeks, our watershed and to the ocean by requiring developers to treat and detain the runoff from their properties.  The City currently requires developments to meet the Puget Sound Stormwater Manual from the Department of Ecology.  This is the standard manual for small communities in rural counties.