Seattle is defined by water – our creeks, lakes, Puget Sound, the Duwamish River and other water bodies make the city a great place for people and for fish and other wildlife. Mayor Nickels’ has launched his Restore our Waters (ROW) strategy to protect these incredible assets. The city is making smart investments to restore habitat along our shorelines, from creating fish-friendly beaches to planting native vegetation for wildlife habitat. You can help by improving habitat on your property, reducing pollution in our creeks or even planning your own neighborhood restoration project. Download the PDF

Seattle is surrounded by water - it's what makes the city such a beautiful place. We must protect the water quality of Puget Sound, our lakes and our creeks.

Let's support Seattle's environment by making smart investments. We need to restore and enhance shorelines, control storm water flows that destroy habitat, and support citizens who are working in their own neighborhoods. Our efforts must be based on sound science and effective partnerships with neighborhood groups, environmental organizations and businesses.

Building a strong, healthy community means protecting these incredible assets for future generations. Let's work together to restore our waters!

GREG NICKELS,
Mayor of Seattle

Slow the Flow - Heavy rains carry pollution to water bodies, cause flooding in neighborhoods, and destroy fish and wildlife habitat. The City uses detention ponds, creek channel widening and other projects to reduce the flow of storm water.

Improve Water Quality – The City works with businesses and residents to prevent water pollution and to clean up the hazardous sediments that build up in waterways.

Restore Habitat –The City restores habitat for migrating salmon and other wildlife along shorelines, creeks and lakes in Seattle .

Support Citizens – The City offers financial incentives,
technical assistance, education and training to help private property owners and others restore habitat and keep pollution out of our water bodies.

In Your Yard

Oils, pet waste, pesticides, roof runoff and other substances pollute storm water that drains into Seattle 's waters.

• Use rain barrels and cisterns to capture rainwater from roof downspouts.

• Reduce or eliminate pesticides that pollute storm water. Natural lawn and garden care is easy and good for the environment. Contact the Natural Lawn and Garden Hotline at 206.633.0224 or lawn&gardenhotline@seattletilth.org for more information.

• Pick up pet waste to keep it from polluting area waters.

By taking small steps or working with your neighbors you can prevent pollution and restore wildlife habitat.

• Take your car to a commercial car wash that recycles water or wash your car on a grassy area to keep oils and other contaminants from polluting water bodies.
• Partner with organizations or neighbors on projects to help water ways. Become a volunteer creek steward. For more information, contact Bob Spencer, Seattle Public Utilities, at 206.684.4163 or bob.spencer@seattle.gov
• Apply for an environmental grant to improve water quality in your neighborhood. The City offers grants to help with neighborhood projects. For more information, contact Anthony Matlock, Seattle Public Utilities, at 206.386.9746, or anthony.matlock@seattle.gov
• Stencil a storm drain to inform people that whatever they put in the drain may flow directly to a creek or lake. For more information, contact Carlton Stinson, Seattle Public Utilities, at 206.684.7624 or carlton.stinson@seattle.gov

Property owners along Seattle's waters have unique opportunities to help restore habitat. Learn how to improve shorelines and creeks on your property. For more information, contact Bob Spencer, Seattle Public Utilities, at 206.684.4163 or bob.spencer@seattle.gov

Read the Restore Our Waters 2005 Annual Report - Acrobat PDF 2.1 MB

Read the Restore Our Waters Strategy in detail Sept. 2004- Acrobat PDF 1.2MB

See a Map of Restore Our Waters projects - Acrobat PDF 1.1MB