Clear storm drains to protect your property and our water

The rainy season is here! Combine rain with leaves and debris on the ground and you've got a recipe for clogged storm drains and possible flooding.

Learn what you can do to help protect your property and our water.

What is a storm drain?
The metal grates in the street that connects to piping that carries rain and snowmelt to nearby creeks, rivers, wetlands, or groundwater.

Regularly clearing your storm drains of leaves and debris helps reduce flooding and property damage while protecting watershed health and the quality of our drinking water. The Oregon Environmental Council and Clackamas Water Environment Services offer these tips:

• Find the storm drain grates in the street by your home or business and clear them of leaves and debris
• Use a rake or pitchfork to clear leaves, limbs, and debris from the storm drain. Do not try to remove the grate, only the debris on top of it
• When leaves fall into the street, rake them at least one foot away from the curb so they won’t block the path of rainwater; please do not rake or blow leaves from your yard into the street
• Never dump anything into a storm drain

Clackamas Water Environment Services produces clean water, protects water quality and recovers renewable resources. We do this by providing wastewater services, stormwater management, and environmental education. It's our job to protect public health and support the vitality of our communities, natural environment and economy.