Stormwater

Photo of the construction of a stormwater structure.Stormwater runoff occurs when rainfall or snowmelt flows over impervious surfaces like roads, driveways, parking lots, and rooftops, which prevent water from soaking into the ground. As it moves, this runoff collects pollutants such as heavy metals, oils, fertilizers, and pesticides. If not properly managed, these contaminants can harm the environment, particularly water bodies like the Spokane River and the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer.

Utility Fees & Program Development

The Stormwater Utility Program operates and maintains the city’s nearly 14,000 stormwater assets, such as drains, pipe and stormwater treatment facilities. The utility also ensures compliance with applicable stormwater management regulations created and enforced by the Washington State Department of Ecology and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The stormwater utility fee funds the following activities:

  • Inspection, maintenance, and operation of city stormwater facilities
  • Service contracts for spill cleanup, traffic control, swale maintenance and landscaping, weed spraying, street sweeping, and cleaning of structures
  • Projects to mitigate drainage problems such as erosion, roadway flooding, and citizen concerns
  • Projects to increase stormwater capacity, protect water quality, and maintain regulatory compliance
  • Investigation and response to unauthorized discharges to protect the aquifer and surface waters
  • Promote water quality awareness through education and outreach initiatives
  • Provide education and outreach to generate awareness of water quality
  • Meet the regulatory requirements of the Underground Injection Control (UIC) program and the Eastern Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit
  • Information about how the 2026 stormwater utility funding was calculated can be found here: 2026 Stormwater Utility Funding

Compliance with Rules and Regulations

Learn what the city does to meet the state regulations for its National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit and the Underground Injection Control (UIC) Rules.

Ridgemont Estates Roadway and Stormwater Improvements Project

Find out more about the Cities current study for a proposed Ridgemont Estates roadway and stormwater improvement project.

Glenrose-Central Park Floodplain Delineation

Find out more about the FEMA-designated floodplains in the southwest portion of the City and adjacent portions of the County, specifically in the Glenrose and Central Park watersheds.

Protecting Water Resources

See what the city does to help protect the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, along with the Spokane river and other local water bodies.

Operation and Maintenance

Learn more about the city’s efforts to inspect and maintain its stormwater system.

Swale Maintenance Guide

Are you responsible for the maintenance of a bioinfiltration swale or other stormwater structures? Find out more here.

Homeowner Resources and Ways to Get Involved

Information for homeowners and ways the public can participate in protecting water resources.

Construction and Developer Resources

Information on construction site best management practices (BMPs) to stay in compliance and prevent stormwater runoff from your site.