Prepare your Home Before it Rains

Kitsap County Surface and Stormwater Management performs regular maintenance on stormwater systems in roads and in residential areas where easements are provided. This helps minimize problems associated with runoff. Though inspecting and cleaning publicly owned portions of stormwater conveyance systems reduces flooding potential, private property also needs maintenance to ensure adequate drainage during heavy rains. The following suggestions help homeowners prepare for the worst of winter weather:

Know the stormwater system on your property
Knowing the location and components of your stormwater system helps you determine what maintenance you need to perform. Each property has unique characteristics that determine how water flows across it, but there are common features designed to manage stormwater runoff including gutters, downspouts, storm drains, and underground pipes. Familiarize yourself with these elements, and make sure they are clean and functional. Consider the impact of drainage from your property to neighboring downstream areas. Don’t let the water draining from your property create or aggravate landslides, erosion, or flooding. Check with your builder for stormwater system information for your home. You can get general information about home stormwater systems by calling Kitsap County’s Open Line at 360-337-5777.

Inspect your gutters
One of the best ways to prepare for the winter rains is to remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris from the gutters that run along the roofline of your house. Clogged, leaking, or broken gutters fail to drain water as intended and can lead to flooding and property damage. Inspect gutters on dry days and clean as needed. This can mean cleaning gutters several times each year because of the many trees in this area.  
        More on Cleaning Gutters Safely

Keep storm drains clear
Storm drains collect water and move it downstream through underground pipes to a stormwater holding pond, nearby creek, or directly into Puget Sound. Storm drain grates cluttered with leaves, garbage, and other debris impede water flow and cause flooding on nearby roads, yards, and even homes. Check storm drain grates frequently and remove any accumulated debris with a yard rake.

NEVER REMOVE THE LID OR CLIMB INTO A CATCH BASIN, AND NEVER ATTEMPT TO CLEAN A STORM DRAIN LOCATED IN A BUSY STREET.

If you can’t clear the drain grate, contact the Open Line at 337-5777. For after hour emergencies, call 911.

Keep driveway culverts clear
Driveway culverts connect open ditches on either side of a driveway. This allows water to flow under, rather than over, the driveway. Do not fill in or pave over open ditches. Keep culverts clear of rocks and debris. This helps avoid flooding. If you can’t clear the culvert, contact you local Public Works agency. They may be able to help.

Maintain Your Infiltration System.
Downspouts on many homes in unincorporated Kitsap County connect to an infiltration system that reduces runoff by allowing it to soak into the ground. Infiltration systems normally consist of a leach field, similar to a septic drain field, preceded by one or more catch basins. Keep systems functioning effectively by removing sediment and organic debris from the catch basin(s). Do not drive or park on the leach field. These measures protect the leach field soils from becoming plugged or compacted.

Kitsap County Surface and Stormwater Management maintains 228 miles of stormwater piping, 10,912 catch basins, 428 ponds/tanks, and many other drainage and conveyance features. In 2006, over 1,600 tons of sediment and debris were removed from stormwater facilities by our maintenance crews. Without this maintenance, the debris may have caused flooding or ended up in local waterways. You can help by observing stormwater facilities near your home. If you see problems, contact Kitsap County’s Open Line at 360-337-5777.

Additional Tips for Homeowners:  Keep Stormwater Runoff Clean

Kitsap County Public Works
Surface and Stormwater Management Program
(360) 337-5777 or (800) 825-4940
openline@co.kitsap.wa.us