The Washington State Department of Ecology named stormwater runoff as the No. 1 water pollution problem in the state’s urban areas and the largest source of pollution to Puget Sound.

Every year, King County and other counties, cities, and many businesses across Washington State update their plans to manage stormwater and ask for public comment. The plans are part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination permit to protect water quality and are required by the federal Clean Water Act. King County’s draft Stormwater Management Program Plan is now available for review.

To review the plan, go to kingcounty.gov/stormwater. Feedback is welcome through March 31. King County will respond to all comments and include them in the final plan sent to the Department of Ecology.

The annual review includes updates based on new science or practices as stormwater engineers continue to learn more about water pollution and flows.

Programs include modernizing and replacing old pipes and treatment systems, how to reduce impacts from increased stormwater flows and about tackling water pollution problems.

King County will continue to focus on the effects of stormwater flows on natural and water systems and in developed areas, and monitoring data as part of watershed-scale stormwater planning.

More than 125 years of development have transformed how the rain moves across King County’s watersheds. Altering the environment – from removing trees to filling wetlands, and building roads and homes and other hard surfaces – changes the speed and volume of runoff and can degrade water quality. Low impact development – building ponds, swales and vaults – can address some of those changes.

The annual stormwater plan connects our actions and their consequences to our waters. Pollution prevention starts at home. Be a part of protecting our water: Comment on the plan, attend a Natural Yard Care workshop, and fix car leaks. Find out more at kingcounty.gov/beinggreen.