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The Storm and Surface Water Utility works on many levels to protect water quality and prevent flooding. This involves working closely with residents, businesses, and other government agencies to maintain a safe and healthy environment for people and wildlife.
There are nine streams within the 24 square miles of the City of Olympia, as well as four lakes, four large wetlands, six miles of shoreline and several thousand acres of public and private forest. The shorelines, streams, and Capitol Lake compromise 12 basins or watersheds in Olympia.
Our services: We maintain over 130 miles of underground pipe, 6,500 storm drains, and 40 stormwater ponds that carry stormwater runoff from roads and rooftops to our streams and Budd Inlet.
We monitor our waters, and initiate new ways to protect them through our education and outreach programs, technical assistance, and new regulations.
What is the harm of stormwater? Olympia is growing at a very rapid rate. As the city grows, forests are replaced with roads, buildings, and parking lots creating more stormwater pollution. This pollution affects water quality, aquatic habitat and the risk of flooding.
Stormwater starts as rain picks up pollutants from streets, sidewalks, and lawns as it runs off to pipes that quickly discharge into our streams and wetlands. Pollutants can harm animals and people, while too much water at once can cause streams to overflow and erode their banks sending muddy polluted water downstream.
How can we reduce the harm to our streams and Budd Inlet?
Need More Information about Public Works Programs or Services? Contact the Public Works office.
- Physical Address: 924 7th Ave. SE, Suite A
- Mailing Address: PO Box 1967, Olympia, WA 98507
- Download printer-friendly (PDF) directions to our office
- Hours: M - F from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except for City-recognized holidays)
- Phone: (360) 753-8588
- TTY: (360) 753-8270
- Email: Public Works