Mayor’s "Restore Our Waters" strategy protects
water quality of Sound, Duwamish, creeks and lakes

"Together, we can restore and enhance our shorelines, control storm water flows that destroy habitat, and engage our neighbors to improve the environment." -- Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels Links: Seattle Public Utilities: Restore Our Waters Adopt a Drain Seattle reLeaf Planning and Development: Green Shorelines Launch strategy 2004 - Acrobat PDF Report 2005 - Acrobat PDF Program documents News: "Swale on Yale" Urban Biofiltration

Seattle is defined by water.  More than 40 waterways provide jobs, critical fish habitat, and recreational opportunities that are vital to our quality of life.

In 2004, Mayor Greg Nickels launched the “Restore Our Waters” initiative to protect and restore the health of our urban waterways that connect us to Puget Sound.

“Seattle is surrounded by water; it’s what makes the city such a beautiful place.  Building a strong, healthy community means protecting these incredible waterways for future generations,” said Nickels.

“Restore Our Waters” is the City of Seattle’s commitment to take actions and promote partnerships that protect and improve our creeks, lakes, the Duwamish River and Puget Sound.

Leading with Science

The strategy is led by science that includes ways to gauge our progress.  As the city partners with neighborhood groups, environmental organizations and businesses, “Restore Our Waters” focuses on the most effective actions with measurable results.

By leading with science, putting the right projects on the ground and engaging the public, the city is making smart investments toward specific goals:

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.

Prevent pollution – Storm water run-off carries oil and grease, fertilizers, pesticides and other toxic chemicals that collect on our roads, rooftops and property.  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 – Salmon and wildlife need cool healthy waters. Good creek habitat includes gravel and woody debris with shade from stream-side native shrubs and trees. In addition, barrier-free streams allow salmon to reach all available habitats for spawning and rearing. The City restores habitat for migrating salmon and other wildlife along shorelines, creeks and lakes in Seattle.

Support residents in their neighborhoods – 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.

Taking action

As our world changes and our city grows, protecting and restoring water quality becomes more crucial than ever.  “Restore Our Waters” priorities include:

• Providing training to city employees to help them identify the best management practices that protect our natural resources, everyday, on the job.
• Providing technical resources, funding and incentives to communities and businesses working with us to restore, protect and improve our creeks, rivers and lakes.
• Providing information and support to help individuals engage in sustainable behaviors and be stewards for our urban waterways.
• Providing grants to individuals and community groups engaged in water quality improvement projects.
• Identifying ways city departments can help slow down storm water runoff and improve water quality and aquatic habitats.
• Documenting the state of our waters and setting clear, measurable goals so we can gauge our success and make adjustments as needed.
• Incorporating sustainable building methods to improve our waters and create green jobs. 

What you can do

Small actions add up to big changes.  Here are some of the things you can do with your neighbors to prevent pollution and restore wildlife habitat:

• Help the rain soak into your yard by building soil with mulch and compost.
• Direct roof downspouts into your garden or a rain barrel.
• Plant evergreen trees to help slow and clean stormwater runoff.
• Prevent pollution by using natural, nontoxic yard care products.
• Drive less and keep your vehicle maintained to prevent oil leaks.
• Scoop up after your pet.
• Help replant our urban forests.
• Join a creek steward group, and help care for your local watershed.
• Volunteer to pick up trash along shorelines.