Washington Stresses Storm Water Pollution Prevention in May

Storm water—the rain that runs off roofs, pavement and other impervious surfaces—washes more untreated pollution down storm drains and into Puget Sound every year than any other pollution source.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee officially declared May Puget Sound Starts Here Month to draw attention to the sources of storm water pollution and to how everyone can do their part to help protect water quality in the Puget Sound region.

Pacific Northwesterners know their actions can help keep lakes, streams and Puget Sound clean and healthy. And many are already taking positive steps to do just that by using natural lawn care techniques, picking up pet waste, fixing car leaks and using carwashes that prevent chemicals, nutrients and grime from running off yards and streets and into storm drains.

The Seattle Mariners are hosting a Puget Sound Starts Here Night, May 14, when the team takes on the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field.

Everyone who orders a ticket for that night’s game through a specified portal—mariners.com/pugetsound—will receive a free pair of Puget Sound Starts Here sunglasses. Once at the stadium, fans can visit a display showing Pioneer Square terrain a hundred years ago before it was developed, play the poop toss game and get other giveaways like the Chinook Book App.

The Puget Sound Starts here campaign will host additional events throughout May to show everyone how to help keep storm water clean. A full list of events can be found on the Puget Sound Starts Here website. 

Source: King County Natural Resources and Parks Department