What is the Surface Water Management (SWM) Comprehensive Plan?
The City of Federal Way’s 2026 - 2031 Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan Update guides the City’s Surface Water Management (SWM) Utility programs and projects. This plan details SWM Utility goals and accomplishments, as well as proposed programs, policies, and activities.
This plan focuses on:
- Pollution Prevention: Preventing pollutants and runoff from entering Federal Way waters.
- Infrastructure Protection: Maintaining and upgrading pipes and other facilities to prevent sinkholes and flooding.
- Property Conservation: Acquiring, protecting, restoring, and improving properties to protect critical areas in the natural environment.
- Stream & Habitat Protection: Mitigation strategies to create healthy buffers around our waterways.
The Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan also helps the City of Federal Way reach goals to comply with our NPDES stormwater permit and plan holistically for the future of the Stormwater Utility projects and programs.
Why is the SWM Comp Plan Important?
The Surface Water Management Program Utility is managed by the Public Works Department. This Utility serves ratepayers by ensuring stormwater systems operate effectively, and it protects surface waters that are important for fish & wildlife and as recreation (boating, fishing, and enjoyment).
The Surface Water Management Program plans and implements projects that manage flood hazards, improve water quality, restore habitat, and often serve as public amenities.
Surface Water Management is a utility, similar to garbage or electrical service. It is funded by a utility fee that is billed to property owners on top of their property taxes, which the City manages to support stormwater infrastructure. As part of the Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan, the Utility is required to identify programs and capital projects to pursue in the next 6-years supporting: Pollution Prevention; Infrastructure Protection; Property Conservation; and Stream / Habitat Protection.
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| Water Bodies in Federal Way | Basins in Federal Way |
How can residents get involved with the SWM Comp Plan?
The Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan guides the prioritization of City SWM Utility programs and projects. Residents are encouraged to read the 2025 draft plan, then take the survey to give feedback. For questions on the Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan, residents can also email SWM@federalwaywa.gov
Click here to read the Draft Plan
Take our Public Comment Survey
Open House (dates TBD)