Property owners should inspect and maintain their storm drainage system at least yearly and clean debris, sediment, and vegetation as needed, especially after major storms. 

For some private property sites, the Utility verifies that these systems are being maintained by inspecting them on an annual or biennial basis. These inspections notify property owners of maintenance issues that may cause flooding, pollution, and become a potential liability to the owner. 

Some private properties are eligible for our Private Stormwater Facility Self-Certification Program. Property owners eligible for the program will receive a letter from the City. Learn more here. 

The Utility inspects the following public drainage systems:

• Ditches and catch basins in and along streets
• Stormwater facilities, such as detention ponds, dams, permeable pavement, pump stations, rain gardens, and bioswales
• Drainage systems located at City facilities and parks

The Pipe Condition Assessment Program inspects the pipes that carry rainwater in the right-of-way and public stormwater facilities using video cameras. These videos allow staff to identify structural issues or maintenance needs and prioritize pipe cleaning, repair, and replacement projects. Each year, approximately 8 miles of pipe are inspected. This proactive program helps prevent flooding throughout the City by identifying pipes developing structural and maintenance issues before they become a problem above the ground.  

Regional stormwater facilities refer to sites that: 

Ditches are located along roadsides in many areas of the City. Ditch maintenance sometimes involves clearing vegetation and soils to re-establish the ditch's function of moving water into the stormwater system. Ditch vegetation is cleared only as needed for function or for safety (for example, vegetation is encroaching on a sidewalk). The City does not maintain ditch vegetation for  “aesthetic” reasons. 

Placing any fill into a ditch (for example installing pipe and covering it to fill the ditch, or adding rocks or other materials to “landscape” it) within the public Right-Of-Way requires a City permit, and is generally not allowed. Please report to the City if you observe any such activities which you think may be unauthorized. 

For questions on maintenance of your ditch contact Sean Musi. 

Catch basins are box-shaped drains typically located in roadways and parking lots. Catch basins are connected to one or more pipes, which carry water out of the  neighborhoods and return it to the nearest stream, lake, or Puget Sound. Pipes within in catch basins are located several inches up from the base of the catch basin box. This allows  debris to sink to the bottom of the catch basin and prevent it from flowing into the nearest natural waterway. The City maintains catch basins and pipes in public spaces.

Cleaning helps: