Three-quarters of all pollution in Puget Sound starts in residential neighborhoods, according to the state Department of Ecology.

To stem this, a coalition of 50 cities and 12 counties has teamed up with regional environmental organizations to address stormwater runoff. Among local cities taking part are Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mill Creek.

This coalition aims to educate citizens on the role stormwater plays in the pollution of Puget Sound under the Puget Sound Starts Here campaign.

Recognizing that there is a problem is the first step in educational efforts, said Dave Ward, principal watershed steward with Snohomish County Public Works and co-chair of the coalition.

“Reversing the downward trend in Puget Sound water quality will take years,” Ward said. “This is a first step. There are 4.5 million people around Puget Sound. The day-to-day activities are taking a toll. Collectively it is a big problem. Individually, there are things we can do to fix the problem.”

The initial four areas of emphasis include:

• pet waste management

• car washing

• yard care practices

• eliminating car fluid leaks

The coalition also plans to address home products and proper prescription and over-the-counter drug disposal.

The goal of the collaborative group is to develop a toolbox of common themes cities can use to develop area-specific messages for resident handouts, articles and programs, Ward said.

“It’s really helpful for small cities, like ours, without a large staff,” said Jerry Shuster, stormwater engineering program manager for the city of Edmonds. “When we find someone doing the wrong thing, we fine them, but we have educational materials to show them the impact of their actions and give them alternatives.”

To educate residents about car washing, Edmonds has developed a drain kit for use by charities and school groups wanting to hold car wash fundraisers. A pump takes the soapy water and sends it into the sanitary sewer. The city supplies handouts about “green” car washing.

In Lynnwood, reducing pet waste runoff is targeted, said Jared Bond, environmental and surface water manager. The city gives out a free waste bag dispenser at city hall and has added pet waste stations in parks. In 2009, the city distributed more than 1,000 bags. Additionally, the city has a surface water technician who is charged with working on recycling coordination and development of curriculum for schools.

Mill Creek takes the message to citizens at festivals and community gatherings. Residents will soon receive brochures on stormwater runoff in surface water bills.

“We have to make sure only clean water gets into our streams,” said Marci Chew, surface water technician for the city of Mill Creek.

Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mill Creek also are making the transition from stenciling storm drains to a metal marker system. The markers identify a drain as having a direct link to Puget Sound and will stand up to the elements longer than the painted ones.