LakeWise
Your lake is at risk. Why?
Many Snohomish County lakes suffer from too much phosphorus, which comes from homes that drain into the lake from the watershed. When it rains, the phosphorus washes into ditches and streams and ends up in the lake. A little phosphorous from many homes can add up to big problems for lakes like:
- Excessive algae and toxic algae blooms
- Lower water clarity
- Stress on fish and wildlife
- Lower property values
How does phosphorus get from my house to the lake?
Most people don't even realize that they could be contributing to phosphorus pollution. Phosphorus comes from common household sources like lawn fertilizers, pet and animal wastes, septic systems and dirt from driveways, roofs or erosion. Plus, soils in this area are naturally rich in phosphorus.
Major phosphorus sources
Fertilizers
Septics
Pet Waste
Soil
How can you make a difference? Be LakeWise!
The good news is that by making a few small changes on your property, you can be part of the solution. The "Clear Choices Checklist (PDF)" is a guide to the most important actions you can take to protect your lake and be LakeWise. Learn more about the checklist items for:
By completing the checklist, your property can be "LakeWise Certified" and you will receive an attractive sign for your property. If you live right on a lake, you can also earn an optional "Healthy Shores" recognition
Incentives for taking LakeWise actions
Earn $200 in septic system care rebates
Visit the Snohomish County Health Department's Savvy Septic program to learn more about how to apply for rebates for your next professional septic inspection (with or without pumping) and riser installation.
Free northwest native plants for your shoreline
You can create a healthy shoreline that is also good for the lake by replacing some of your lawns with shrubs, perennials, or trees while still preserving your views and lake access. Interested shoreline owners may receive a free landscape design and free plants. Learn more on our LakeWise Healthy Shores page
Here’s how you take the first step
The process to become certified is easy! Start by signing up online or calling 425-388-3204 to schedule a free LakeWise certification visit. We offer flexible scheduling and you don’t need to complete any of the Clear Choice actions before the visit.
A local expert will meet with you to provide practical suggestions for implementing the Clear Choices such as tips for your lawns and yard. The visit is not an inspection -- just a way to provide support to help you move forward.
Participation in the LakeWise program is completely voluntary and you will be under no obligation to take any actions following the visit.
LakeWise Testimonials:
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“As a resident of Lake Crabapple these past 10 years, I want to do everything in my power to keep it as pristine as it is today. I attended the free Safe Septic System workshop offered in the Seven Lakes area last fall. It was there that I found out about LakeWise Certification, so I invited them out to assess my property. I was pleasantly surprised at how many things we were already doing to protect our lake and environment. They also gave us great ideas to improve vegetation around our shoreline that would squeeze out the invasive, non-native plants. I highly recommend this program to anyone who has an interest in keeping their lake safe for children, adults, pets, fish, birds, waterfowl and any living organism that thrives in a lake environment.” – Patti C., Lake Crabapple
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“Big shout out to Snohomish County Surface Water Management for helping me qualify for LakeWise Certification. They are super helpful and provided knowledge about everything you need to know about doing the best you can to keep your lake in good shape. When I wanted to know more about removing invasive plants, they came out to help me make a plan, provided information, and even delivered native plants I could use as replacements!” – Therese E., Lake Roesiger
Register for FREE Workshops! |
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Septic Care Workshops
Free, online, and on-demand so you can take at any time! Learn how to keep your septic system running properly for years to come and how to receive up to $500 in septic system care rebates through the County's Savvy Septic program. Be sure to save and send us your certificate of completion if participating for LakeWise. Workshop available here!
Natural Lawn Care Workshops
Join a professional landscape designer to learn how to grow the lawn you have always wanted - naturally and with minimal time and expense.
Next Workshop - Spring 2024
They're LakeWise . . . You Can Be, Too!
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Sign up for a FREE LakeWise site visit to learn the voluntary actions you can take on your property to reduce pollution and become LakeWise Certified.
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Janet, Echo Lake
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Jim & Beverly, Sunday Lake
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Mark, Lost Lake
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John, Lake Goodwin
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Kit, Lake Loma
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James & Patricia, Panther Lake
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Travis & Ryan, Martha South
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Virgil, Panther Lake
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Charles & Maria, Lake Goodwin
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Dan, Lake Loma
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Keve, Flowing Lake
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Jonas, Lake Shoecraft
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Therese, Lake Roesiger
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Carol & Randy, Lake Ki
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Karen, Lake Ki
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Chris, Lost Lake
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Bill & Barbara, Lake Howard
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Mary, Lake Shoecraft
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Tim, Lake Loma
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Steve, Martha North Lake
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Patti, Crabapple Lake
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Alexander, Lost Lake
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Doug & Alyssa, Lost Lake
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Russell, Lake Agnes
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Jane, Lake Ketchum
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Ken, Lake Loma
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Chuck & Annette, Lake Ruggs
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Ann & Joe, Echo Lake
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Brian, Sunday Lake
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Ronald & Guyce, Lake Loma
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Bob & Leslie, Panther Lake
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Robert, Lake Howard
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Shelley & Randall, Lake Crabapple
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Steve, Lake Goodwin
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Mary, Lake Ketchum
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Daniel, Lake Ketchum
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Randy & Jodi, Lake Ketchum
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Beth & Ken, Lake Loma
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Steve & Carrie, Storm Lake
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ER, Lake Ki
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Rich, Lake Ki
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Fred & Shirley, Lake Loma
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Jon, Lost Lake
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Sarah, Lake Ketchum
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Solveig, Crystal Lake
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Lorraina, Lake Ketchum
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Suzanne, Howard Lake
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Don & Joan, Lost Lake
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Bill & Marilyn, Lake Loma
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Terri & Don, Panther Lake
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Eric, Lake Goodwin
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Kurt, Panther Lake
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Marc, Lost Lake
LakeWise Resources
Contact us
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Alex Pittman
LakeWise Site Visit Lead
Ph: 425-262-2466
Marisa BurghdoffLakeWise Project Manager
Ph: 425-388-3204
email us at lakes@snoco.org
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Snohomish County Health Department
Your go-to resource for questions about septic system permitting, operation and maintenance requirements, and finding certified septic system contractors.