Stormwater Utility

BIG NEWS! The 2026 Department of Ecology Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSWGP) is Now Live!


The new 2026 CSWGP permit, effective January 1, 2026, provides more explicit, expanded language describing what qualifies as construction activity requiring coverage. If you are a developer, applicant, or construction contractor in Ellensburg, this information is essential for you!

The 2026 permit also requires every site, regardless of size, to use a Certified Erosion & Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) for weekly and rainfall-triggered inspections.

Other key changes include:

  • Updated sampling and testing requirements 
  • New site map requirements for permit modifications
  • Updated recordkeeping and reporting requirements,
  • ...........and more!

Learn more about the 2026 CSWGP permit changes here (courtesy of the Washington Stormwater Center).

*PLEASE NOTE, THE CSWGP IS SEPARATE FROM THE CITY'S STORMWATER REVIEW PROCESS. ALL PROJECTS DISTURBING 5,000+ SQUARE FEET ARE SUBJECT TO CITY STORMWATER REVIEW, REGARDLESS OF CSWGP STATUS*

Stormwater System

The City of Ellensburg’s Stormwater System manages runoff from rainwater and snowmelt to protect water quality and help prevent urban flooding. Our system includes approximately 2,503 catch basins, 346 manholes, and over 49 miles of underground pipe.

The City’s Stormwater System has been governed by a Washington State Department of Ecology Eastern Washington Please II Municipal Stormwater Permit (Phase II Permit) since 2007. Phase II Permit regulations are updated every 5 years. Our current permit cycle is effective from 2024 through 2029. Learn more about our permit requirements and how we work to meet them.

Stormwater Utility Operations

The City operates a Stormwater Utility whose revenues pay for the operation and maintenance of our Stormwater System, including inspection and cleaning of the system, street sweeping, stormwater capital improvement projects, Phase II Permit compliance, and public education and outreach on the effects of stormwater on water quality in our rivers and streams. Stormwater utility rates are established and approved by City Council each calendar year.

View current stormwater rates.

As required by the Department of Ecology, the Stormwater Utility also reviews development plans and regulates the permitting and construction of private stormwater facilities for compliance with the 2024 Stormwater Management Manual for Eastern Washington and the City’s Stormwater Development Standards.

Stormwater Projects

Reecer Creek Levee Extension Project
Urban Flood Mapping, Modeling, and Analysis Projects
Urban Forestry Management Project
Gateway I Project
Gateway II Project

Complex diagram of stormwater flows and pollutant sources from precipitation to streams and rivers.

Education and Outreach

Do you know how stormwater relates to water quality? The Stormwater Utility provides education and outreach opportunities throughout Ellensburg. We inform students of all ages about the impact that our daily activities (plus rain, snowmelt, and wash water) have on rivers and streams. You may have seen us or some of our favorite educators at Touch-a-Truck, or in your classroom through the Drain Rangers program!

Some examples of our outreach
             
Bill inserts (ENGLISH) (SPANISH)

Daily Record article featuring Valley View Elementary students