The City is updating Chapter 23.60 ECDC - Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas - to reflect current understanding of these areas in Edmonds. According to the Growth Management Act (GMA), CARAs are critical areas which must be regulated and protected using best available science (BAS).
In 2022, the City became aware that there were two CARAs in Edmonds - both are Olympic View Water and Sewer District wellhead protection areas (see BAS report in Project Documents). The proposed regulations will address the types of uses that are restricted or prohibited in certain portions of the CARAs due to their higher potential to contaminate the groundwater.