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Bothell staff outline surface‑water education programs including pet‑waste stations, rain‑garden workshops and septic outreach
Summary
Public‑works staff presented an overview of Bothell’s surface‑water education and outreach programs on April 15, describing pet‑waste stations, vehicle pollution prevention, natural yard care, septic maintenance workshops, rain‑garden and rain‑barrel workshops, school programs and upcoming volunteer events.
Bothell — City staff on April 15 briefed the City Council on the surface‑water education programs the public‑works department runs or supports, emphasizing actions residents and businesses can take to reduce polluted runoff.
Surface‑water program coordinator Kristy Cox told the council the programs focus on practical behavior changes—pick up pet waste, direct car‑wash water into landscaped areas, check vehicle leaks, maintain septic systems, harvest rainwater and adopt a storm drain. Cox noted the city partners with regional groups and conservation districts on classes and volunteer events.
Key program elements and events
- Pet waste: The city provides signage, a pet‑waste pledge, leash attachments that hold used bags and pet‑waste stations at high‑use parks. Cox said the city sometimes uses interactive games to teach children why pet waste belongs in the trash.
- Vehicle pollution: The city encourages commercial car washes where possible, a regional “Don’t Drip and Drive” program for leak checks, and the “Don’t Wait to Inflate” campaign to keep tires properly inflated.
- Natural yard care and rainwater: Bothell has offered natural‑yard classes and will continue workshops this year with Snohomish Conservation District. Staff described rain gardens and rain‑barrel workshops and noted an upcoming DIY rain‑barrel session.
- Septic systems: Cox said about 2,000 Bothell homes remain on septic; the city directs homeowners to Snohomish County Health Department’s self‑paced septic care workshop and reminders about county rebate programs for maintenance.
- Schools and volunteers: The city sponsors Nature Vision classroom programs and partners on green‑school projects. Cox said eight conifers planted last fall at Frank Love Elementary will intercept an estimated 30,000 gallons of rainwater per year. Upcoming volunteer and outreach events include an Earth Day restoration event with Whale Scout on April 26 and a container gardening workshop on April 23.
Cox closed the presentation with a concise reminder for residents: “only rain down the drain.” Councilmembers asked technical follow‑ups about cooling stormwater and septic maintenance intervals; Cox and staff said they would follow up with details by email and in the packet when the topic returns.
Why it matters: The programs seek to reduce pollutants that reach storm drains and local waterways by changing everyday behaviors and by supporting low‑cost projects such as rain gardens and rain barrels. Staff emphasized regional partnerships and volunteer events as core to outreach and stewardship.
