Stormwater Comprehensive Plan and Stormwater Management Action Plan (SMAP)
The 2026 update to the Kitsap County Stormwater Management Action Plan (SMAP) for the East Dyes Basin is now available. The Stormwater Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) update is currently underway. A virtual public workshop about the Comp Plan is planned for January 2027, with additional details coming soon.
Kitsap County manages stormwater to reduce flooding, protect local waterways, and maintain essential public infrastructure. These efforts also ensure the County meets state and federal environmental requirements while supporting healthy, resilient communities.
The Comp Plan and SMAP were originally developed in 2020 to guide the operation, funding, and improvement of stormwater programs over time. The Comp Plan and SMAP cover the entire county, with East Dyes Basin as a priority watershed.
Kitsap County's Stormwater Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) explains how the County manages rain runoff and surface water in unincorporated Kitsap (areas outside of city limits). The Comp Plan outlines how the County operates and maintains the stormwater system, prepares for climate change, builds needed infrastructure, and funds these activities. It also helps guide long‑term decisions so the County can meet stormwater requirements while keeping rates and available resources in balance.
Kitsap County's Stormwater Management Action Plan (SMAP) outlines how Kitsap County approaches long‑term watershed planning. The SMAP identifies the highest priority drainage basin where focused actions can most effectively improve water quality.
Updates to both of these plans, will ensure compliance with the requirements of the
2024–2029 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit, County goals, best available science, and future needs of the community we serve.
Clean Water Kitsap
The
Clean Water Kitsap partnership protects people, property, and the environment by managing flooding and preventing water pollution. Our nationally recognized stormwater management program is funded by some of the lowest rates in Western Washington.
Drainage Improvements
We improve the storm drain system to reduce flooding, improve water quality, and increase fish passage. Our inspection and maintenance program prevents pollutants and debris from entering waterways.
Water Quality Protection
Our partners know that there is more to surface waters than what is on the surface. Watershed health monitoring,
water cleanup and
restoration projects, and
public health water monitoring keep our waters safe for recreation and
shellfishing.
Public Education & Involvement
Our many community programs help residents understand their connection to water quality. Programs like the
Rain Gardens and More cost share,
Backyard Habitat Restoration, and
Agriculture Technical Assistance help property owners improve their homes while protecting our watersheds.
Water Resource Planning
Careful planning on a watershed scale helps to make sure that people, fish, and wildlife continue to have abundant, clean water. We collaborate with community partners to identify and apply strategies for protecting our water resources while making sure we have needed growth.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
Stormwater runoff in Kitsap County is regulated by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology, as well as by Kitsap County Stormwater Management Code (KCC 12.04 through 12.32)
NPDES Annual Reports
2025 NPDES Annual Report
2024 NPDES Annual Report
2023 NPDES Annual Report
2022 NPDES Annual Report
*Please contact us if you would like the attachments referenced in the annual reports.
Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) for NPDES
Kitsap County is expected to develop a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) that includes all the required activities. The County must implement those activities within the required timeframes of the Permit term. We submit annual reports to the Washington State Department of Ecology each year to document progress toward completing program implementation.
Finding Our Focus: 5-Year Strategic Plan
The Stormwater Strategic Plan is designed to serve as a roadmap for the Division's decision-makers to implement a proactive, compliant, and sustainable stormwater management philosophy. The goals and objectives in this plan guide our annual work plans and chart a course focused on maintaining compliance and implementing policies that not only protect our precious natural resources but also enhance Kitsap residents' quality of life.
Kitsap County welcomes comments on our Stormwater Management Program Plan, Comprehensive Plan, and Management Action Plan as part of the public input process.
