We all need to do our part to protect and improve the quality of water in our local creeks, rivers, lake and wetlands. Where adequate stormwater infrastructure does not exist, rainwater that runs off of our yards and streets flows into storm drains or ditches and directly into the nearest body of water without treatment.
Through simple actions in our daily lives, we can help keep pollutants out of stormwater and keep our local waterways, such as Beaver Lake, Ebright Creek and Lake Sammamish, clean and healthy. Here are some things you can do at home to reduce stormwater pollution:
Waste Disposal and Spills - Dispose of waste property and report any spills.
Drainage - Consider replacing impervious surfaces like sidewalks, decks and driveways around your home with pervious materials or directing stormwater to low impact development best management practices. Examples of low impact development include installation of rain gardens or dispersion trenches to reduce directed surface water discharges.
Car Care - Use a commercial car washing facility and make sure your automobile isn’t leaking fluids. Hold an eco-car wash.
Yard and Garden Care - Practice natural yard care to reduce the use of hazardous products while saving time, water, money, and helping to preserve the environment.
Pet Waste - Practice proper waste disposal.
Pool and Spa Care - Pool and spas contain chemicals that can damage the aquatic life in our lakes, rivers, creeks and wetlands.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The City of Sammamish appreciates all the dedicated volunteers who take time out of their busy lives to give back to their community and enhance their natural resources. Below are ways you can make a difference:
City of Sammamish Volunteer Program
City Volunteer Opportunities
Storm Drain Marking Program
Storm Drain Marking is a way to inform citizens of the connection between stormwater runoff and their yards, roads and nearby waterways. Citizens are cautioned not to dispose of things like gardening chemicals, grease, soap, oils, etc. into the storm drains by the following message “Only Rain Down the Drain”, which is displayed next to storm drains.
This is a great activity for any volunteer organization, including: schools, scouts, churches, block clubs, and service organizations (e.g. Boy Scouts).
The City of Sammamish is promoting the storm drain marking program throughout the city. For more information about the program, email Lisa Werre at lwerre@sammamish.us or contact her at (425) 295-0573.
Adopt a Storm Drain
Clean leaves and debris from storm drains to prevent localized flooding. City crews work to keep storm drains clear, but with 12,000 drains in Sammamish, we could use your help! With your assistance, we can keep streets safe and clear and can reduce property damage cause by flooding.
Keep leaves and debris out of storm drains• Check storm drain grates and the surrounding area frequently to make sure they are free of leaves and debris.• Rake leaves away from storm drains and gutters near your house or business and dispose of leaves in your year waste container or compost bin.• Do not remove the grate from the storm drain opening – this does not unclog the system and creates a hazard for everyone. • Do not rake or blow leaves from your property into the streets. Our street sweeper cannot pick up large piles of leaves. It also a violation of Sammamish Municipal Code and could result in warning or even a fine.
Adopt a Pond
What is a stormwater pond?Stormwater ponds collect runoff before it enters our storm sewer system, which flows directly into creeks, lakes, and ultimately the Puget Sound. Properly functioning stormwater ponds increase storage capacity, decrease flooding, improve water quality, and create habitat for wildlife.
The Adopt-A-Pond program partners with citizens to improve water quality, wildlife habitat and the appearance of stormwater retention ponds. Program activities can include:
• Invasive plant removal• Native plantings• Pond cleanup events• Neighborhood outreach and education
Eligibility
• The city must own the pond• No wetland or protected conservation areas are allowed in the program• The pond group must: o Submit an Adopt-A-Pond application o Demonstrate a commitment to fully participate in the program o Maintain their pond
FeesThere are no fees.
Benefits
• A more attractive, landscaped pond• Wildlife habitat• Expert guidance• Free native pond plants – based on availability • Information and resources to help prevent pollution
How To Start
• Review the Adopt a Pond Policy and Procedures and complete the application located here:
Adopt a Pond Policy and Procedures and Application
Resources
• For more information on the Adopt-A-Pond program call (425)-295-0573 or email lwerre@sammamish.us
Kokanee Quest
The Kokanee Quest geocaching adventure project has been extended through January, 2019! Kokanee Quest is a real-world treasure hunt for geocaches hidden around Lake Sammamish. Kokanee Quest can be done as a family or on your own and is suitable for all ages. As a participant, you'll learn about Lake Sammamish kokanee as you hike or bike in search of geocaches hidden in places that are important to kokanee. When you see the cache, you might also see some kokanee!
To begin, visit the Kokanee Quest website to download your series passport. Then follow the instructions for setting up an account at Geocaching.com where cache pages with clues and coordinates are published. To locate geocaches, you'll need a navigational device - a GPS-enabled mobile phone or tablet or a dedicated GPS unit. GPS stands for "global positioning system" and refers to specialized satellites that can work with ground-based receivers to calculate the exact location of any spot on earth. Once you navigate to a location, you'll search for a hidden container. Once you find the geocache, you sign the physical logbook and then share your experiences on the cache's online page and by posting about it using the hashtag, #KokaneeQuest.
Begin your Kokanee Quest: http://www.govlink.org/kokanee-quest/
RESOURCES
Kokanee Work Group
Sammamish Stormwater Stewards
Sammamish Outreach Advisory Committee
Making Way for Salmon – Video
An Urban Refuge for a Little Red Fish - Video
Polluted Puddles: Arlo’s Quest to Clean Up our Mess - Video
Solving Stormwater - Video
Save Lake Sammamish
Mid Sound Fisheries
Trout Unlimited
WRIA
CHILDREN’S RESOURCES:
Captain Coho & the Salmonmobile: A Puget Sound Journey – Newspaper in Education Flipbook
Salmon, Stormwater and You – Newspaper in Education
Stormwater: What You Otter Know – Newspaper in Education
Government