The City of Kirkland works with local property owners to assure that all stormwater systems receive periodic routine inspection and maintenance. This will help these systems to function as they were designed, which will help to prevent flooding, erosion, and water quality degradation.

By educating property owners and assuring that all stormwater systems in Kirkland are properly maintained, we can prevent the destruction of aquatic habitats and the degradation of water quality in our local lakes and streams.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why are stormwater systems necessary?
What do the City inspections mean to me?
How much will maintaining my stormwater system cost me?
What might I be required to do?
Are there contractors or consultants whom I can call that do this kind of work?
Certificate of Completion
Questions or Comments

Why are stormwater systems necessary?

In developed areas, the rainwater that used to seep into vegetated areas cannot penetrate impervious surfaces like buildings, concrete, and asphalt. The storm drainage system collects this stormwater runoff and carries it to the nearest wetland, lake, or stream. It is important to understand that unlike sanitary sewer systems, stormwater is not treated before being discharged into local waterways. Putting oil, antifreeze, detergents, and other material into the stormwater system is the same as dumping them directly into a lake or stream.

What do the City inspections mean to me?

The City of Kirkland will notify property owners and inspect storm drainage systems. The City will then work with property owners to familiarize them with their system and how to best maintain it. If a particular system does not meet Kirkland’s maintenance standards, the property owners will be notified of needed maintenance by letter. Upon notification, the property owner will be responsible for completing the necessary maintenance.

How much will maintaining my stormwater system cost me?

Maintenance costs depend on both the type and condition of the existing system. It is estimated that the owner of an average sized commercial lot of 200,000 square feet would typically pay between $900-$1,100 for maintenance each time it is required. Initial inspection of private stormwater systems will be provided by the City at no extra cost to the property owner.

What might I be required to do?

Work with City staff through each inspection and maintenance cycle. Also, make sure you and any businesses operating on your property are not allowing anything but naturally occurring stormwater runoff to enter your stormwater system. This includes preventing materials stored outside from leaking, draining, spilling, or being dumped into the stormwater system. Preventing unnecessary contamination of your stormwater system may reduce the disposal costs for materials cleaned from your system.

Some typical stormwater system maintenance requirements might include: cleaning contaminated sediment and liquids from detention ponds, underground pipes, catchbasins, and manholes, or repairing control structures.

Are there contractors or consultants whom I can call that do this kind of work?

If your stormwater system requires maintenance, we will provide you with a list of local firms providing drainage system maintenance services. You can also download the list of vendors here in PDF Format Firms Providing Drainage Maintenance Service.

Please note: You will need a recent version of Adobe Acrobat Reader (a free program) to view or print PDF forms correctly.  Get Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Certificate of Completion

Fill out this sheet or have your contractor fill out the certificate to let us know what corrective maintenance was performed on your system and when. Please include all maintenance that has been performed since the date we inspected your system. If you hired a contractor to perform the maintenance, have them sign this form as well. Certificate of Completion (in PDF Format).

Questions or Comments?

Please direct comments or questions via e-mail, phone or in writing to:
Stormwater@ci.kirkland.wa.us 
Public Works Surface Water Group
123 Fifth Avenue
Kirkland, WA 98033-6189
Phone: (425) 587-3800

To find out how businesses can minimize water quality degradation or to report a spill affecting surface and/or groundwater in Kirkland please call (425) 587-3800.