The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program addresses water pollution by regulating sources that discharge pollutants into natural bodies of water such as Lake Washington and Coal Creek. The Environmental Protection Agency authorizes state governments to perform permitting, administration and enforcement of the program.
Each year Bellevue must submit a stormwater management plan to the state Department of Ecology that describes actions the city will take in the upcoming year to meet federal water quality protection requirements.
Bellevue is one of more than 100 communities in Washington that must meet requirements for its municipal stormwater permit. The permit is a requirement of the federal Clean Water Act.
Comments accepted on draft 2025 stormwater plan
Interested in how the city protects water quality and is restoring waterways for fish and people to use? The city is now accepting comments on the 2025 draft Stormwater Management Program Plan.
You can submit comments via email to dmcquilliams@bellevuewa.gov or in person at the Environmental Services Commission meeting on Thursday, February 6. All comments received on the draft plan will be considered before approving it for submittal to Ecology.
Encouraging Non-Polluting Behaviors
To protect water quality, Bellevue manages stormwater runoff in a number of ways. The city follows "best management" practices, including actions that educate the public and encourage non-polluting behaviors.
- Identify and report illegal dumping and cross-connections
- Respond to pollutant spill reports
- Enforce erosion and sediment control at construction sites
- Apply new design standards for permanent storm drainage in new development and redevelopment sites
- Maintain the public storm drainage system and inspect private storm drainage systems
- Minimize pollution from municipal operations
Stormwater Management Plans
Bellevue is required to report on its "best management" actions through an annual report and accompanying stormwater management plan. Details of the required actions can be found in the annual plans.
- 2025 Draft Stormwater Management Program Plan
- 2024 Stormwater Management Program Plan
- 2023 Stormwater Management Plan
- 2023 Stormwater Management Action Plan
The Bellevue Stormwater Guide offers more information about our stormwater management.