Storm Drain Care

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) offers great ways that you can help reduce pollution and flooding in your neighborhood.

Rake Your Leaves

Leaves and debris can build up in our drainage system and on our storm drains. By raking your leaves and/or adopting your storm drain, you can reduce ponding and flooding in your neighborhood.

To help keep storm drains clear, SPU offers free extra yard waste pick up through November, up to 10 extra bags every collection. Put the leaves that don't fit into your yard waste container into a paper or compostable lawn and leaf bag or a reusable container with a lid (no plastic!). Leave the extras next to the yard waste container on collection day. Learn more about the extra pickup at our blog.

Adopt a Storm Drain

There are several types of storm drains. Most drains are located next to the curb and have a metal grate to prevent debris from falling in. They can be rectangular or circular. Storm drains are often stenciled with text such as:

• Dump No Waste. Drains to Stream, Lake or Bay.
• Only Rain Down the Drain. Puget Sound Starts Here

Learn more about keeping your local storm drain clear.

Stencil a Storm Drain

Have fun and help raise awareness by help to protect our water quality. Schools, families, community organizations and individuals are all welcome to paint a stencil next to storm drains in their neighborhood with the message:

• Dump No Waste
• Drains to Stream, Lake or Bay

Learn more about stenciling a storm drain.

Related Resources

• Stormwater Pollution Prevention
• Street Sweeping
• Flooding Response
• Sewer and Drainage System Maintenance and Repair