Surface Water Management Division

Pollution Investigation and Technical Assistance Program

Photos and Descriptions of Common Water Quality Problems

Business Hazardous Waste	Water Line Leaks
Erosion and Turbidity	Fill
Iron and Sulphur Bacteria	Farm Animal Manure
Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs	Solid Waste
(no image available) Animal Carcasses

Algae and Bacteria Blooms	Chemical Spills	Dumping Yard Waste in Streams
Failed Septic Systems	Foam	Household Hazardous Waste
Paint	Petroleum and Oil	Spills During Flooding

Hazardous Waste Spills

To report a hazardous waste spill, call the Washington Department of Ecology 24-hour Emergency Response Center at 425-649-7000. You can call this number for any problem that requires immediate attention.

Water Quality Complaint Program

To report a non-hazardous water pollution problem, call the Snohomish County Water Quality Assistance Line at 425-388-6481.

Drainage and New Development

If you suspect that muddy water is caused by upstream construction activities, call Snohomish County Planning and Development Services Department 425-388-3411.