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.
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)Â Â Â 2024 SWMP Plan (Web Document)
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 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
- March 2023
Report:
2023 Source Control and Water Year 2023 Stormwater Monitoring Report