Crossposted from Headwaters

King County typically enjoys a reliable abundance of rainfall. And once it hits the ground, rainwater seeps into soil or runs along streets and parking lots, flowing into storm drains, and disappearing underground.

…Or does it?

In some parts of King County, stormwater can travel through miles of pipes, creeks, or both before finally emerging in lakes or the Puget Sound. During its journey, stormwater can mix with the E. coli bacteria found in poop from people, pets, and wildlife. Poop-contaminated water can threaten community health and close swim beaches and shellfish harvesting areas. Read more.