Coca-Cola Sued Over Polluted Runoff Entering Lake Washington

A local environmental group, Waste Action Project, has filed a lawsuit against Swire Coca-Cola, USA, and Western Washington Coca-Cola Bottling over alleged polluted runoff from their Bellevue bottling facility entering Lake Washington. The nonprofit claims that excess levels of zinc, copper, and other pollutants have been released into the environment.

The complaint cites data from Coca-Cola's own quarterly samples, which showed pollutant levels above permitted benchmarks in 2025. The Waste Action Project is seeking penalties of up to $68,445 per violation per day and wants the court to declare Coca-Cola has violated and continues to violate the Clean Water Act.

Coca-Cola told KIRO Newsradio that it takes the concerns 'seriously' and has a robust stormwater management program at the facility. The company said it continually looks for opportunities to advance its compliance with applicable environmental requirements.