Drainage and Flooding

The Utility maintains and improves storm water infrastructure in order to prevent flooding. Find out how to assess drainage and flooding issues on your property.

Studies and Plans

The Utility has compiled research into the current status of the surface water drainage system and made plans as to how to best manage the system. Find more information about:

• 2011-2016 Surface Water Master Plan
• Watershed-specific reports and plans
• Water quality reports

NPDES Permit

The Utility has a mandate from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Washington State Department of Ecology to reduce pollution in its stormwater drainage system. Find out more information about this permit here. 

Drainage Maps

View maps of the surface water drainage system including both piped and natural watercourses. 

Lake Ballinger Forum

The Lake Ballinger/McAleer Creek Watershed Forum was formed to address flooding, water quality, habitat preservation, and restoration issues in the watershed. The current Forum Interlocal Agreement (ILA) was executed in 2012. The agreement has been amended over the years to extend the term, most recently at the end of 2020 to extend the term of the Forum through the end of 2023. The City of Shoreline has rejoined the Forum to work alongside the neighboring cities of Edmonds, Lake Forest Park, and Mountlake Terrace and participate on collaborative solutions within the McAleer Creek watershed.

The Forum meets quarterly. Meetings are currently held via Zoom. The City of Mountlake Terrace provides the primary administrative support for the Lake Ballinger Forum.

Primary contact for the Forum is:
Laura Reed, Stormwater Program Manager
City of Mountlake Terrace
(425) 744-6226  LReed@ci.mlt.wa.us

The elected representatives on the Forum are:
Steve Woodard (chair) – Mountlake Terrace SWoodard@ci.mlt.wa.us
Mark Phillips (vice chair) – Lake Forest Park mphillips@ci.lake-forest-park.wa.us
Diane Buckshnis – Edmonds Diane.Buckshnis@edmondswa.gov