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1. What is stormwater?

Stormwater is the runoff that results from rainfall and snowmelt. As rain and snow falls to earth in agricultural and undeveloped areas, it is either absorbed or it slowly runs off and dissipates. In a growing city like Moses Lake, where rooftops and paved areas not only prevent the water from being absorbed but help it run off at a much faster rate, problems arise. Inadequate drainage systems compound these serious problems associated with heavy rains and snow thaw.

2. Why is storm water an issue? We live in a semi-arid area.

Water that collects on impervious surfaces like roofs, roads and parking areas, whether from rain, snowmelt, or irrigation sources, becomes runoff.

Runoff carries pollutants like oil, grease and heavy metals from vehicles, chemicals and animal waste from lawns, and physical debris like soils and trash into our waterways and wetlands, compromising the health of our watershed. Urban runoff is the leading source of water pollution in Washington State.

In areas of smaller annual rainfall like the Columbia Basin, pollutant load can be even greater because pollutants have a greater time to collect and concentrate on surfaces between storm events.

3. What do I do if my storm sewer grates are plugged or there is flooding on my street?

Minor storm flooding events can occur during heavy rainfalls or in times of rapid snowmelt, typically where storm drains have become blocked. If you encounter a flooding problem on City streets, please contact us as soon as possible. The City will dispatch a Stormwater crew to inspect and clear the problem.

Contact us at (509) 764-3951, Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For issues after hours or on weekends/holidays, please contact MACC Dispatch at (509) 762-1160.

To minimize or prevent flood events, follow these easy three steps:
• Know where the storm drains on your street are
• Keep leaves and snow clear of drain grates
• Call us when you observe a problem

4. Who do I call with questions about the storm water charges on my utility bill?

Please call Utility Billing at (509) 764-3715.

5. Why is stormwater runoff a problem?

Stormwater can erode topsoil and stream banks and destroy aquatic habitats. Runoff accumulates in many areas of the city, causing nuisance flooding and possible threats to public health and safety. As the rain falls onto our streets and runs off, it carries with it pollutants such as gasoline, oil, antifreeze and heavy metals. Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are washed from lawns and other green spaces. Unlike sanitary sewers that go to a treatment plant, most stormwater is discharged directly to local water bodies. With the passage of time, these pollutants will buildup in our waterways and underground drainage systems causing significant environmental damage to our watershed and lake. These pollutants may also threaten our drinking water supply.

6. What’s the difference between a storm drain and a sewer drain?

The sanitary sewer system and the storm drain system are two completely separate systems. The sanitary sewer system takes all household wastewater and routes it through piping into a treatment plant. The separate stormwater system routes rainwater off the streets, into the storm drains and usually empties into our lake and drywells without being treated.

7. Where does water pollution come from?

Water pollution is difficult to trace to a specific discharge point. Because it comes from many diverse sources, it is hard to control. Examples of common pollutants include fertilizers, pesticides, pet wastes, sediments, oils, salts, trace metals and litter. They come from farms, yards, roofs, construction sites, automobiles, and streets.

8. Who do I report drainage/flooding/pollution problems to? What are some examples of drainage problems?

If a storm drain in front of your house does not work properly and causes water to pond in the roadway and adjacent area, please call 509/764-3951 to report the problem. Drainage problems may include roadway or structural flooding, clogged or failing underground pipes and culverts, bank erosion or pollution affecting a waterbody. If you witness illicit dumping of materials into the stormwater system, or notice a problem, you may call the number above or use our reporting form online.

9. What are the goals of Moses Lake’s stormwater program?

The stormwater program focuses on reducing the potential for stormwater pollution, maintaining and improving the City’s stormwater infrastructure, and improving and protecting the quality of our lake, wetlands and watershed.

10. What is a Stormwater Utility? What kind of services does the City provide?

The stormwater program is charged with the maintenance and improvement of the City’s stormwater systems located within the public rights-of-way. These systems consist of storm drains, catch basins, underground pipes, open channels, culverts and creeks.

A stormwater utility is a special assessment set up to generate funding specifically for stormwater management. Businesses and residents within the City of Moses Lake pay a stormwater fee, and the revenue collected directly supports maintenance of the existing storm drain systems, development of drainage plans, water quality programs, and funds major capital expenses. The funds pay for the ongoing and routine maintenance of the drainage system, major capital expenses for new storm sewer construction, and EPA Phase II stormwater permit requirements.

11. How can I be exempted from the stormwater charges?

The only exempted properties are public roads, railroad tracks, public airport runways, and undeveloped property.

12. How can I reduce my fee?

There is no credit or reduction available for residential properties. For commercial properties, a credit can be obtained for three special circumstances:
1) Commercial properties which collect and retain stormwater in a permissive rainwater harvesting system (credits can be up to a 10% reduction).
2) Industrial properties which are already covered by an individual NPDES Industrial Stormwater Discharge Permit may qualify for a credit of up to 80%.
3) Commercial properties which retain and treat all of their runoff in an on-site system (using appropriate Best Management Practices and design as approved by the Department of Ecology) may qualify for a credit of up to 50%.
These credits will not be cumulative, and require an application process from the Stormwater Department. Please call 764-3792 for more information.