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1. What is stormwater?

Stormwater is rain and melting snow that runs off surfaces that cannot readily absorb water. These surfaces include rooftops, pavement, compacted gravel lots, and even frozen ground. Stormwater runoff picks up pollution, can cause erosion, and flooding problems. These problems occur when we alter the land and change the way water moves through the landscape.

2. How does stormwater become polluted?

As stormwater flows towards receiving waters such as streams, lakes, rivers, or soaks into the aquifer, it picks up pollutants. These pollutants include, but are not limited to, ground sediment, airborne dust, pet waste, oil, grease, fertilizers, chemicals, and litter.

3. What are ways to help prevent stormwater flooding and pollution?

• keep your storm drains and grates clear of leaves and debris
• pick up pet waste
• limit the use of chemicals at home and work
• consider low impact development (LID) techniques like rain gardens, porous pavement, and rainwater harvesting that keep the water onsite
• plant a tree

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1. What am I allowed to plant in the strip between the sidewalk and the street and who is responsible to take care of it?

The City of Monroe has an approved street tree listing that may be used for selecting tree specimens.  Property owners are responsible for the care of the area in front of their property. Please submit a right of way disturbance permit before planting trees.

2. How do I report a pothole?

The City welcomes reports from drivers about roadways in need of repair. Providing us with the exact location (for example, eastbound lane on Main St just north of Dennis Way) will help speed response time. To report a pothole, fill out a request using Monroe Listens or call 360-794-6100.

3. How often are Monroe’s streets swept?

The City has over 52 lane miles of roads that are swept on a regular basis. During the fall leaf season, two sweepers are operated to help reduce the chance of localized flooding.  During spring to summer, sweeping resources are reduced in order to focus on other operational needs.

4. May I request to have my street swept?

To request to have your street swept, please submit a request through Monroe Listens or call 360-794-6100. Requests will be reviewed.

5. Can I blow my leaves out into the street?

No. Please do not blow leaves into the street. To properly dispose of leaves place them into a yard waste container.  Leaves have the potential to back up storm drains and cause flooding.  In addition, leaves piled in the street, can clog the street sweeper creating damage and delaying progress.

6. How far above the street and sidewalks do the tree limbs and other vegetation need to be trimmed?

Trees need to be trimmed to a height of fourteen (14) feet above the street.  Sidewalks need to be clear from overhead vegetation to a height of eight (8) feet, and all walkways must be clear of vegetation. Please click here for diagram.

7. Why can't you plow my street now?

We wish we had enough snowplows and drivers to take care of every street right away, but our resources are limited and so we must adhere to a carefully laid out system for clearing the streets. To keep our snow removal operations as effective and efficient as possible plows follow priority routes. Plows will remain on priority routes until they are clear.

8. I just shoveled my driveway. Why did the city snow plow push snow back into it?

When plowing, the snow may end up in the driveway you just shoveled. We apologize for the inconvenience this causes you. If your schedule permits, you may want to wait and clear your driveway after city plows have passed through your street. If it is a significant snowfall, the snowplows will probably be back and make a second pass. Streets are typically opened with one pass through, so that streets can be made passable for drivers as soon as practical. Snowplows usually return to open the street curb-to-curb.

 SNOW REMOVAL TIP… If your driveway is cleared before the street is completed, clear the area to the right of your driveway (when facing the house). When the plow comes by the snow will dump in this clear area, minimizing the amount left in your driveway.

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1. Is there fluoride in our water?

Yes. The City of Monroe receives its water from the City of Everett. More information is available from the City of Everett.

2. Is there lead in my drinking water?

The City of Monroe purchases its water from the City of Everett.

Lead enters drinking water primarily through plumbing materials. EPA and state regulations require water systems to monitor for the presence of lead at household taps every three years. Everett conducted its latest round of monitoring in 2015. The EPA action level is a maximum of 15 parts per billion for 90% of the samples. The highest level found in the 108 homes tested was 8 parts per billion. The 90th percentile result—the highest result obtained in 90 percent of the samples—was 2 parts per billion.

Everett’s source water contains virtually no lead and Everett has eliminated lead lines and connections from its distribution system. Therefore, these results indicate that the lead level at household taps is most likely due to the corrosion of household plumbing systems. More information about lead monitoring requirements can be found at the Environmental Protection Agency’s website.

Pregnant women and young children can be more vulnerable to lead in drinking water than the general population. If you have concerns about lead levels in your household water, there are several steps you can take:

• If you live in older housing built before the mid-1940s, run your tap at least two minutes after water has sat in the pipes for six hours or more. This will help flush out any lead that may have accumulated in your pipes.
• If you live in newer housing and are concerned about lead, you can flush your pipes by running your tap until the water is noticeably cooler.
• Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula. Hot water may contain higher levels of lead.
• Clean the screens and aerators in faucets frequently to remove captured lead particles.
• Use only “lead free” piping and materials for plumbing when building or remodeling.
• You can also have your water tested. Many certified labs in Washington perform these tests for $20 to $40 per test.

For more information on lead in drinking water, or to find a certified lab near you, go to the Washington State Department of Health. Additional information is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or at the Environmental Protection Agency.

3. Who do I call if I have an emergency?

City of Monroe maintains a 24-hour emergency response service for your convenience. If you have a water related emergency after hours, call 425-239-0189.

For non-emergencies please call City Hall at 360-794-7400.

4. Why does the City add fluoride to my drinking water?

Some water supplies contain naturally-occurring fluoride. Monroe’s does not. Therefore, after a vote of the people in 1992, Everett (City of Monroe’s water supplier) began adding fluoride to the water supply for dental health purposes. In January 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed reducing the water fluoride concentration target to 0.7 ppm based on recent research. Based on this recommendation, Everett reduced the target fluoride residual in its drinking water to 0.8 ppm, which was the lowest level currently allowed by state regulations at that time. The Washington State Board of Health is adopted 0.7 ppm as the new standard on March 16, 2016. Everett subsequently reduced the target fluoride residual to 0.7 ppm. Information on fluoride in drinking water is available from the Washington State Department of Health.

5. Is bottled drinking water safer than tap water?

Not necessarily. Like tap water, the safety of bottled water depends on where it comes from and how it is treated. Tap water is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and subject to stringent standards. Bottled water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and held to different standards. If you are using bottled water for health purposes, you should research the product to make sure that it is providing the benefits you are looking for.

6. Why does my water taste or smell like chlorine?

Chlorine is used to disinfect your drinking water and eliminate disease-causing microorganisms. For this reason, there may be an odor or taste of chlorine when you first turn on your faucet in the morning. This should dissipate after you run the water for a few minutes. However, if your water has a persistent taste or odor, call Monroe Public Works at 360-794-6100.

7. Do I need a water treatment or water filtration device?

Your water comes from a high quality source and is treated effectively, the Washington State Department of Health advises that water treatment devices are not required. However, treatment devices, such as activated carbon filters, can be used to improve that taste of your water by removing chlorine and other substances that can cause poor taste or odors.

8. What is the normal water pressure in the City?

Water pressure in Monroe ranges from 35 to 120 pounds per square inch (PSI), depending on the location. If the water main that serves you has a pressure greater than 80 PSI, you should install a pressure-reducing valve set at 80 PSI or less to protect your plumbing. If you are concerned about your water pressure or faucet flow rates, check to see if you have galvanized iron plumbing or if the pipe that connects you to the City’s water line is galvanized iron. Over time, galvanized iron pipe corrodes on the inside and the rust can cause blockages that restrict the flow of water. If you have pressure or flow problems and your plumbing and service line are copper or plastic, call Monroe Public Works at 360-794-6100.