Surface Water Management (SWM) responds to citizen and agency requests for investigation of possible surface water pollution. This includes pollution such as oil, dirt, animal waste, fertilizer, chemicals, and paint discharged into lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, wetlands, ditches or drainage systems.
Citizen reporting of pollution problems helps SWM staff investigate pollution of surface waters in unincorporated (outside a city boundary) Pierce County. SWM staff provides technical assistance to landowners and businesses to resolve water quality problems.
Report spills and water pollution concerns:
Emergency Situations
If the situation is a severe threat to human health or the environment, such as large hazardous waste, gasoline or chemical spills, call 911.
--- Discharge to Rivers, Creeks, Lakes or Puget Sound:
Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE)
360-407-6300
Non-Emergency Situations
--- Discharge to a Stormwater Drain or System:
Commonly reported water pollution problems include muddy water, foam, sewage, paint, oily sheens, and algae blooms. Call 253-798-4274 or email us.
When you call or e-mail, the following information helps the SWM staff investigation:
- What is the site location? Please be specific: include address, major cross streets, business name, landmarks, etc.
- When did the spill or dumping occur? (approximate date and time)
- Is the spill or dumping near a stream or other water body?
- Did the discharge have any color or odor? Don't take samples as the material may be dangerous!
- Do you have photographs?
- Do you know who is responsible or what the source is?
- Were there other witnesses?
If you know you are within an incorporated (within a city boundary) area of Pierce County, please contact that city. Thank you for helping us investigate and respond to water pollution concerns!
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