Tools & Resources
Welcome to the Tools & Resources page. On this page you will find a list with links to documents, articles, videos, and other resources useful to individuals trying to learn about green stormwater infrastructure and how to get projects started within the City of Seattle.
You can use the search bar below to look for a particular resource or info about a singular topic, or you can utilize the filters on the left-hand side of the list to narrow down the list.
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Side Sewer Assistance Program
Having trouble with your side sewer? Seattle Public Utilities is partnering with Office of Housing’s Home Repair Program to offer 0% interest loans for income-qualified Seattle homeowners with no monthly payments for those experiencing a side sewer emergency.
Managing Stormwater on Your Commercial, Institutional, Industrial, or Large Residential Development
Polluted stormwater runoff to our lakes, rivers, and creeks is one of the leading sources of pollution in the Puget Sound region. The City of Seattle Stormwater Code guides private development in managing stormwater on the project site, which starts with the On-site Stormwater Management (OSM) requirement. This factsheet provides an overview and answers common questions about managing stormwater on commercial, institutional, industrial, or large residential developments.
RainWise Webinar & Workshops Resources
Attended a recent webinar or workshop? Check out our RainWise Webinar & Workshop Resources page for links and resources mentioned in our webinars and workshops.
2020 Green Stormwater Infrastructure Progress Report
The 2020 Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Progress Report highlights King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) and Seattle Public Utilities’ (SPU) achievements in combating a major cause of pollution in the Puget Sound – stormwater runoff.
The Garden Hotline
Not sure where to find arborists’ wood chips for fresh mulch? Need help with rain garden plants and weeds? Wondering how often or how long to water your new rain garden? Contact the Garden Hotline at 206-633-0224 or help@gardenhotline.org
Multi-lingual service provided.
Rain Garden Handbook for Western Washington
This will be your best source on building rain gardens in Western Washington! This comprehensive guide will cover everything a typical private property owner will need to know to plan, design, build, and maintain their very own rain garden. Includes an appendix of the types of plants to include in a rain garden.
Ecotope Cistern Sizing Tool
This tool helps size rainwater collection systems for Northwest buildings using four basic inputs: the size of the cistern, size of the roof (collection surface), daily water demand, and seasonal water demand.
Rain barrel information and sources for the Pacific Northwest
Whether you're a Northwest gardener looking to ensure that your plants don't suffer in the long dry summer, or a business owner looking to manage stormwater runoff from your large roof, you may want to consider an old-fashioned technology: Rainwater Catchment with barrels or cisterns. Check out this comprehensive list to get you started.
Rain Garden Care Guide
A guide for residents and community members.
RainWise Planting Plans
This guide will help you plan out what plants to use in your rain garden and where. There is also a plant list and examples of planting plans.
Plant List for Pollinators
A list of plants to use in your garden to support local pollinators.
Disconnecting Downspouts
How-to guide on how to divert downspouts away from discharging into a combined sewer system.
How to Install a Cistern
DIY guide to installing a cistern in your yard.
Sound & Vision Toxic Runoff | CSOs in Puget Sound
A vignette from Sound and Vision, a feature length film about cleaning up and Protecting Puget Sound and beyond.
12000 Rain Gardens
Stewardship Partners and Washington State University work with numerous partners all over the state to increase education and outreach around rain gardens and clean water solutions. We’re all working together to reach our goal of 12,000 Rain Gardens for Puget Sound. Join us and be a part of this exciting campaign.
Events
Check out upcoming events within the green stormwater infrastructure community.
Find A Contractor
Ready to get started on a RainWise project? Head to the RainWise Find-a-Contractor page so you can start contacting contractors today!
Many of these contractors may also be available for non-RainWise projects.
Is cistern water safe for watering your garden?
Is it safe to use water collected from your roof to irrigate homegrown lettuces, strawberries, and tomatoes? Sightline Institutes' research pamphlet goes over this question and considerations to take.
Rainwise Maintenance Guide
How to maintain your RainWise installation.
Financial Options
Options from Stewardship Partners to help you pay for your RainWise installation or if you are not eligible for RainWise.
RainWise One Page Factsheet
Quick guide to the RainWise program.
Cistern Factsheet
An introduction to cisterns by the RainWise program.
Spanish Version
Vietnamese Version
GSI Design For Health Article
Article by Kathy Wolf, University of Washington, detailing the co-benefits of green stormwater infrastructure in relation to human health and wellness.
Seattle GSI Innovation Case Study Fact Sheets
- Bertschi School Living Science Building
- Beth Shalom Congregation
- Bullitt Center
- Duwamish Tree Canopy Enhancement Program
- Georgetown Green Wall
- GreenFire Campus
- Henderson North Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Project
- Madison Valley Stormwater Project
- High Point Redevelopment
- Magnuson Park Habitat Wetlands
- Murray Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control
- RainWise Program
- Street Edge Alternatives (SEA Streets)
- South Park Bridge Low Impact Development (LID)
- South Orcas Greenstreet
- Luke's Episcopal Church
- Sustainable Rain
- Swale on Yale
- Ballard Natural Drainage Systems Project I
- Terminal 117
- Thornton Creek Confluence Project
- Thornton Creek Water Quality Channel
- UP Garden
- USACE Federal Center South Building 1202
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System Mental Health and Research Facility
- Venema Creek Natural Drainage System
- Ballard Natural Drainage Systems Project II
- Barton Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control
Looking for resources to help fund your project?
Visit 12000raingardens.org for more information.