Stormwater Management Program
The City of Tacoma maintains a comprehensive Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) as part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase I Municipal Stormwater Permit.
This program oversees the SWMP Plan, which ensures that the City meets federal and state requirements to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff, safeguarding our local water bodies like lakes, rivers, and Puget Sound. Below you’ll find information about program goals, the SWMP Plan, and our compliance efforts.
Goals
- Protecting public health, safety, and welfare.
- Managing stormwater to minimize flooding, erosion, and contamination.
- Mitigating impacts of increased runoff from urbanization.
- Managing runoff from both developed and developing properties.
- Correcting water quality issues and mitigating existing problems.
- Restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of Tacoma's waters.
- Implementing a cost-effective stormwater management program.
- Educating the public on how they can help keep our waters clean.
2026 Stormwater Management Program Plan (SWMP) Draft for Public Comment
The City of Tacoma’s 2026 Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) draft is now available for public review and comment. This plan explains how we manage stormwater to protect local waters and Puget Sound in line with state and federal requirements.
Purpose of Public Comment We invite residents, businesses, and stakeholders to review the draft SWMP and provide feedback. Your input helps ensure our program reflects community priorities and meets environmental standards.
Read the 2026 SWMP DraftHow to Submit a Comment Email: swnpdespermits@cityoftacoma.org
Comments must be received by March 15th to be considered in the final draft.
Why Reviewing and Commenting on the SWMP Matters Stormwater is rain and runoff from streets, sidewalks, and yards that flows into storm drains. Your feedback helps us improve how we manage stormwater for the health of our community and environment.
2025 Stormwater Management Program Plan
The 2025 SWMP Plan is the City’s strategy for meeting NPDES permit goals and managing stormwater in compliance with the Phase I Municipal Stormwater Permit. The plan is updated annually to reflect the latest practices and regulations.
2025 SWMP Plan (PDF)Tacoma is dedicated to reducing and eventually eliminating the negative effects of polluted stormwater on our waterbodies, but this effort requires community involvement. Everyone living and working in Tacoma plays a role in preventing stormwater pollution and protecting Puget Sound.
To learn more about how you can help, visit our Prevent Stormwater Pollution web page.
Tacoma’s NPDES Permit and Ordinance
The City of Tacoma passed Chapter 12.08 of the Tacoma Municipal Code, which regulates surface water and wastewater. This ordinance gives Environmental Services the authority to comply with the NPDES permit by prohibiting anything other than clean storm and surface water from entering the stormwater system.
The NPDES permit outlines the requirements for the Stormwater Management Program, which governs how the City operates its storm drainage system.
NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit Annual Report
Each year, Tacoma submits an annual report on NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit activities to the Washington State Department of Ecology. The report for the previous calendar year is submitted by March 31. You can view the most current report below.
Source Control & Stormwater Monitoring Annual Report
Thea Foss and Wheeler-Osgood Waterways
- Prepared for Washington State Department of Ecology and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Prepared by City of Tacoma