What is a Water Quality Violation?

By definition of the Kirkland Municipal Code (KMC 15.52.090-110), the only allowable discharge to the public or private storm system is rainwater.

Water quality violations can range from minor incidents, like car washing, to large spills from industrial processes or transportation overturns. Water quality violations can be point or non-point source. This means that they can come from a spill (point source) or multiple sources like roadways, underground problems, failing septic systems, hazardous materials stored outside uncovered in the rain (non-point source).

Most pollution problems in the storm system can be prevented. Any catch basin in the streets and/or parking lots leads to the nearest stream, lake or wetland in Kirkland.

What is a spill?

In terms of water quality, a spill can be from an overturned vehicle, a 55 gallon drum leaking, a can of paint tipped over or, in general, anything that is flowing or could flow to the public or private storm system.

How do I report a spill? 

Complete the Drainage & Water Quality Report form or call (425)587-3800 to report spills Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.

After-hours spills can be reported to the Kirkland Police Department at (425)587-3400 or the Department of Ecology at (425)649-7000.

How can I help?

The best way to help water quality is to prevent water pollution at its source. Take a look at our information on keeping stormwater clean.

When walking near streams, lakes, wetlands or storm drainage systems, here are some signs of water pollution that you can look for:

Odor...	does the water have an unusual odor?
Foam...	does the water have foam not associated with turbulence?
Color...	does the water have an unusual color or sheen?
Fish Kill...	are aquatic organisms in peril or dying?

A lot of these parameters, like odor, foam and color, can be caused by natural conditions at different times of the year, but it’s always good to call the Surface Water Division ((425)587-3800) or complete the Drainage & Water Quality Report form if you see or smell unusual conditions.

What is the City doing to eliminate and prevent pollution problems in our lakes, stream and wetlands?

In addition to responding to spills and complaint calls, the City has a program that inspects businesses for stormwater compliance. The City annually inspects private stormwater detention systems and businesses for hazardous material handling. These inspections help ensure that materials are not getting into the public/private storm system, which eventually finds it way to our lakes, streams and wetlands.

For more information, please read What is Stormwater? or contact Kirkland's Stormwater Division.