Surface and Stormwater Management Program

The Surface and Stormwater Management  Program (SSWM) is a multi-agency program designed to address non-point pollution and flood control. The program was developed in response to the Federal Clean Water Act, the Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan, and locally developed Watershed Action Plans. The core purpose of the program is to address non-point pollution, which has been identified as the primary source of pollution in Kitsap County’s streams, lakes and marine waters. Non-point pollution is pollution that is carried from roofs, yards, streets and other land surfaces by stormwater runoff.

The Surface and Stormwater Management Program funding supports programs implemented by:

What are the goals of the program?

• Protect public health and natural resources
• Minimize institutional costs
• Obtain support for the program from other municipalities, tribal governments and County residents
• Meet state and federal regulatory requirements
• Provide permanent funding source to address non-point pollution.

Why was the program established?

The closure of many local beaches to shellfish harvesting and diminishing fish populations in our local streams are early signs of pollution problems throughout Puget Sound. These problems clearly indicate the need for programs that address the control of non-point source pollution. Existing and pending federal, state, and local regulations, and locally developed watershed action plans encourage local governments to develop programs which protect water resources from pollution while planning for growth.

• Kitsap County Code Section 12.36 defines the purpose and scope of the Surface and Stormwater Management Program
• Kitsap County Code Section 12.40 defines the Surface and Stormwater Management Program rate structure.   Additional info on Fees

Links on this web site provide a detailed picture of Surface and Storm Water Management, administered by Kitsap County Public Works:

• Annual Report for 2007  New Release
• 1995-2005 A Decade of Excellence
• Audit of Program Completed October 2005
• Capital Improvement Program
• Surface & Stormwater Management Program Fees
• Inspection and Maintenance Program
• Maintenance Waste Processing
• Education and Outreach
• Stormwater Monitoring

Randy Casteel, PE
Director of Public Works

Surface and Stormwater Management Program
(360) 337-5777 or (800) 825-4940
openline@co.kitsap.wa.us