Surface Water Management

What is the Drainage Utility Program?

The Drainage Utility is Skagit County’s Surface Water assessment and provides a source of funding to address drainage and stormwater projects and programs that otherwise would not have a funding source or would be too large of a burden for individual residents. 

The County Drainage Utility is a special assessment that was established in 1997 to address drainage concerns within unincorporated Skagit County and provide a multitude of benefits to our ratepayers. As a special assessment, those who pay into the Drainage Utility should see a benefit and the County is diligent to ensure the funds are used on programs and activities that provide a clear benefit to the ratepayers.

Drainage Utility Fund Timeline

• 1994: The DU was created by County Ordinance 15572
• 1996: Rates were established under Ord#16404
• 2007: DU rates increased to $36/Single Family Residence, R20070540
• 2010: County Sub-flood Control zones were abolished and the responsibilities were transferred to the County Drainage Utility
• 2013: Changed the DU assessment from an impervious surface to a flat per parcel funding structure, R20130352. 
• 2013: DU Rates increased to $60/Single Family Residence, R20130353

What types of problems receive assistance?

A primary focus of the Drainage Utility is responding to drainage concerns outside of the County Road Right of Way.  Drainage concerns in the County are innumerable and often fall within the categories of ditch maintenance/grading, culvert maintenance, lack of infrastructure, failing infrastructure, inadequate conveyance, and sedimentation. The source of a drainage issue is often surface water or runoff that has traveled from other parts of the County. Drainage issues in the County are interrelated and ongoing, resulting in Drainage Utility (DU) personnel examining concerns on a watershed scale.

In addition to drainage concern response, programs funded by the Drainage Utility include watershed planning, surface water management projects, habitat restoration, flood response, and compliance with the County’s NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit. The Drainage Utility frequently partners with drainage districts, tribes, cities, and state agencies on a variety of beneficial projects.

What kind of projects are exempt from Drainage Utility funding?

• Projects are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and some single-property improvements may not qualify for funding. However, technical assistance may be available for problems that do not qualify for project funding.
• Minor problems where little damage occurs, or damage from very large, infrequent storms may not qualify for funding.
• Concerns that lie within the boundaries of a Drainage District are managed by the District they are located in. View a District map here. If your concern lies within a Drainage District, please contact the appropriate District commissioner. A current list of the commissioners may be viewed here.
  

How are projects prioritized?

Due to the large number of eligible drainage issues and a limited budget, Skagit County’s Drainage Utility Program may not be able to fund a project for every drainage issue assessed. Skagit County Drainage Utility assesses drainage issues on a watershed scale, prioritizing projects that will lead to improved drainage county-wide.

Once a drainage problem is identified, Drainage Utility staff investigates the issue’s nature and history, conducts a site visit if necessary, then completes a ranking form to determine how a potential project is prioritized and if it qualifies for funding. After review, Skagit County staff will discuss possible solutions to the drainage issue with the property owner and/or impacted residents.

What if Drainage Utility is unable to fund your project?

If funds are not available for your project, Skagit County’s Drainage Utility staff can still assist you with information and technical assistance. This may include construction suggestions, permit requirement information, etc. Depending on availability of funds, a project may qualify for a project but need to be scheduled in the future for when funding becomes available. 

What to do if you are experiencing a drainage issue:

• Keep a log of drainage issues.
•  Take pictures or videos and note what you have seen and heard during a problem, what you have done to try and fix it, and who you have contacted about it. Include the date and time of day with all notes, photos, and videos.
• If your drainage issue appears to be impacted by weather, include this in your notes.
• Contact Skagit County Drainage Utility staff as soon as possible to investigate the issue.

Is the drainage problem beaver-related?