Rain and leaves don’t mix: Clear blocked storm drains

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Chum salmon swimming upstream

The rainy season is here!

Storm drain blocked by fall leaves and rain

Keep storm drains clear

Fall is here and with it comes heavy rains, wind gusts and falling leaves. The National Weather Service is forecasting significant rainfall between one and two inches on Wednesday.

Rain combined with falling leaves are the perfect recipe for clogging storm drains which can cause local flooding of roads and private property. Kitsap County Public Works Department urges residents to help reduce flooding by cleaning up yard debris and keeping storm drains clear.

How to prevent clogged storm drains

  • Monitor neighborhood storm drains and keep them free of leaves and debris.
  • If you see a clogged storm drain, use a rake, shovel handle or stick to clear the drain.
  • If this does not help, report the blockage to Kitsap1: 360.337.5777 or on our app: See Click Fix.
  • NEVER remove a storm drain lid or attempt to clean a drain located in a busy street.
  • Do not wade into water when you are unsure of the depth.

Check your gutters and downspouts

  • Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris.
  • Replace leaky or broken gutters.
  • Make sure downspouts are directed away from your house.

Disposing of leaves

  • Dispose of leaves by turning them into compost for your garden, putting them in curbside yard waste bins, or taking them to local composting facilities.
  • If you use a landscaping company, ask the landscaper to take the leaves with them.
  • Do not blow or sweep leaves into the road, ditches or storm drain.

Know where to report flooding?

Use our See Click Fix app, call 360.337.5777 or email help@kitsap1.com