The groundwater protection incentive program is to encourage modifications to existing private stormwater infiltration systems that present a risk to the City's critical aquifer recharge area (CARA), which is a protection area for groundwater that supplies 35% to 40% of the City's water supply. Private stormwater infiltration systems have been regulated by the City of Redmond since 2003 to meet State and Federal requirements associated with the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Private stormwater infiltration systems within the CARA installed before November 1, 2003 are required to be registered with the City. Owners or operators of stormwater infiltration systems are required to evaluate, and, if necessary, modify their stormwater infiltration systems to protect groundwater. Details are provided in Redmond Municipal Code 13.07.115 Groundwater Protection Incentive Program.