Stormwater Services

Besides flood prevention and maintenance of public storm water conveyance systems, the division provides the following services:

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Emergency response - This includes responding to flooding and spills, replacing drain covers, and more. 

Water quality protection - The city provides programs preventing and controlling stormwater pollution. City staff investigate all reports of surface water quality problems and provide technical assistance to private and commercial property owners to meet state and local standards. 

Private system maintenance inspection - Private and commercial storm water conveyance systems are routinely inspected to keep the drainage flowing for the entire city. 

Educational and public outreach programs - We communicate good practices for residents and businesses to prevent water quality pollution and host educational events throughout the year.

Long-term planning- The city creates a comprehensive plan and a management plan to protect water quality, mitigate flooding, and ensure the long term sustainability of our stormwater system. Find our plans and reports here.

Button report a spill

Phone Directory

Emergency Response:

 425-670-8264

General Stormwater Inquiries: 

425-744-6226 


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Spill Emergency Response Program

Report spills by calling (425) 407-3999 (non-emergency 911.) 

The Mountlake Terrace Stormwater team responders are on standby 24/7 to respond to spills. The goal of the spill emergency response program is to divert, mitigate or clean up immediate or imminent threats to the environment. Spill responders receive in-depth training on hazardous materials and spill response.

What is a spill?

A spill is an active discharge where there is an imminent threat to human health or the environment. Spills may include such events as paint, oil, pesticide, antifreeze, and sewage spills near a storm drain. Spills that enter the stormwater system negatively impact fish, wildlife, pets, and people.  Water is the only thing that should enter our stormwater system. 

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What if I cause a spill? 
Report it. Mountlake Terrace code requires that as soon as an individual has information of any known or suspected release of materials which are resulting or may result in illegal discharges or pollutant they shall take all necessary steps to ensure discovery, containment, and cleanup. The individuals shall notify the emergency response program no later than the next business day. 
In the State of Washington, there are mandatory reporting requirements for spills. Please visit the Department of Ecology reporting page for more information on mandatory reporting requirements. 
When you contact the Spill Control Hotline have the following information available: 

  • An address or cross streets 
  • The material that has spilled 
  • The estimated volume of material that spilled
  • What time the spill occurred or when you first observed it
  • Contact information (name and phone number)

Have a spill plan in place
If you are a business, chances are you are required by the Mountlake Terrace Code to have a spill plan and a spill kit on hand to deal with the types and volumes of materials you store on site.  

Learn more about how to be prepared at your business below! 

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