Stormwater Utility

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Welcome

Stormwater runoff is the largest remaining contributor of water quality pollution to the waterways of the nation. As a semi-arid climate, the streets in Richland still collect sediments from construction sites, fertilizers and pesticides from yards, bacteria from animal waste, gas, oil and toxic metals from cars. This purpose of this site is to inform residents about the importance of preventing stormwater pollution from entering our waterways, and to let you know what the city is doing to reduce stormwater pollution and meet state and federal storm water regulations.

2025 Stormwater Management Program Plan Update

In accordance with the Eastern Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit, the City of Richland has published its:

It's a Community Effort

In order to keep stormwater clean, we all need to do our part to keep pollutants from reaching our streams, rivers and from infiltrating the ground into the aquifer. Richland is doing its part by maintaining a street sweeping program that sweeps every street in the city two or three times during the year. Stormwater maintenance crews regularly clean out catch basins, storm manholes, detention ponds and swales. We have also developed a stormwater management program that includes stormwater education for our citizens.

The Columbia River, Yakima River and Amon Wasteway are important waterways, both for the aesthetic value and the financial value they bring to the area. Please help keep them clean.

Proper Disposal of Pool and Spa Water

Chlorine can be toxic to fish at high concentrations. At lower concentrations, it can stress fish by damaging their gills. Small amounts of pool or spa water can be discharged onto your lawn or landscape, but large amounts that have not been de-chlorinated MUST NOT be discharged into the street, gutters, storm drains, or allowed to enter nearby water sources.

Test the water to be sure that the chlorine level is less than 0.1 part per million before discharging. Chemicals (such as sodium thiosulfate) and test kits can be purchased at local pool supply stores to de-chlorinate the water.

Stormwater Treatment Program

The Stormwater Treatment Program introduces water quality treatment features into existing storm drainage conveyance systems that were designed to prevent property damage from storm runoff.

Stormwater Regulations - Construction & Post-Construction

Click here for information on General Permit Requirements.

Stormwater Regulations - Illicit Discharge

Click here for information on the Illicit Discharge Detection Elimination (IDDE) Program.

Stormwater Pollution Education

To learn more about stormwater and how to make a difference, click here.

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