People in Bellevue enjoy the city’s streams, lakes and wetlands for their beauty and for recreation. These waterways are also home to salmon and many other types of fish and wildlife.
As water from rainfall flows over rooftops, streets and yards, it picks up and carries pollutants such as fertilizers, soap, oil, dirt, metals and solvents. This pollution flows directly into Bellevue’s storm drains and ends up harming streams, lakes and wetlands.
To increase awareness about pollution in waterways, Bellevue is part of a regional campaign called "Puget Sound Starts Here," made up of more than 300 Puget Sound organizations that support the message that the Sound's pollution problems start in our own backyards.
Do you want clean water in your community? There are easy ways to help keep our waterways free of pollution. If you wouldn't drink it or swim in it, don't put it down the storm drain. Check the poster, brochures and other resources below for other things you can do to protect water quality.
Nothing but rain down the storm drain!
- Do You Want Clean Water in Your Community poster in English. Brochure in English Chinese Spanish Russian Vietnamese
- FAQs about how to keep waterways clean
- Bellevue Stormwater Guide
- What to do with Household Hazardous Waste
- Natural Drainage Practices maintenance manual and inspection sheets for vegetated roofs, rain gardens and porous pavements.
- Natural Yard Care
- Recycling used motor oil and used oil filters
- Septic System care
- Swimming Pools and Spas care
- The Stream Starts Here brochure
- Car Wash Fundraisers – Alternatives and Kit Information
Who to call
If you see signs of pollutant spills in a lake or stream or near a storm drain, please call Utilities 24-hour emergency number, 425-452-7840. If you have questions about installing vegetated roofs, rain gardens or porous pavements, please call the Utilities Permit Center station, 425-452-4187.