Drainage Issues
Drainage infrastructure exists on private and public property and, like any system, sometimes has problems. SPU is responsible for the public drainage system. Below we describe possible drainage issues on public property and what resources are available to help.
For urgent utility emergencies, please see our utility Emergencies page.
We also work to prevent and reduce the pollution our drainage system carries to local lakes, creeks and rivers. Please report water pollution concerns and learn how you can prevent pollution.
Types of Drainage Problems
A clogged storm drain is caused by leaves, debris or a blockage preventing stormwater from entering a structure or drain. It can cause flooding or ponding.
People can reduce the likelihood of an impactful clogged drains through Storm Drain Care.
When you see a clogged drain, please submit a service request or use the City of Seattle’s Find-It-Fix-It Mobile App.
Flooding is an overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. It can be caused by wet weather, rivers, human activities, and/or coastal events. SPU primarily responds to urban (rainwater) flooding; this is when rain overwhelms the capacity of the drainage system. More information about other types of flooding in Seattle is available on the Citywide Flooding Safety and Response page.
Urban (rainwater) flooding can be caused by:
- Clogged storm drains—when leaves, debris, or a blockage prevent stormwater from entering a structure or a drain is backing up due to a blockage
- Lack of drainage infrastructure
- Lack of capacity within the local drainage system – during heavy or intense rain events then the drainage system may get overwhelmed
- A creek overtopping its banks, or
- The grade of the public right-of-way not allowing stormwater to be captured adequately
For urgent urban (rainwater) flooding, please see our utility Emergencies page. If it is safe, take photos and videos of the issue.
Ponding is persistent and frequent, and occurs when water collects in the public right-of-way and impacts off-street parking areas and/the street. It rarely causes significant impact to private property.
Ponding can be caused by:
- Clogged storm drains—when leaves, debris or a blockage prevent stormwater from entering a structure or a drain is backing up due to a blockage
- A closed topographic contour (low spot)
- Lack of drainage infrastructure
- Lack of capacity within the local drainage system, or
- Lack of slope in the public right-of-way not allowing stormwater to reach any infrastructure
For urgent ponding, please see our utility Emergencies page. If it is safe, take photos and videos of the issue.
For a clogged drain, please submit a service request or use the City of Seattle’s Find-It-Fix-It Mobile App.
Surfacing groundwater happens when underground water (from or headed to the aquifer) meets the ground surface. It is highly unpredictable and is influenced by underground changes and precipitation. It is more likely in areas where there are changes in topography (from steep to mild slopes), low soil infiltration rates, or permeable soils overlaying less permeable soils.
There are hundreds of known surfacing groundwater sites in the City. Property owners are responsible for managing surfacing groundwater impacts on their properties. Surfacing groundwater can cause safety concerns on the public right-of-way. SPU and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) work to protect the public right-of-way when there are significant impacts to street conditions.
For safety related concerns (like icy roadways), please contact SDOT at (206) 684-7623.
Drainage issues can cause soil, rocks and other materials to move or erode. This is more likely to happen in steep areas, and along street edges or unimproved sections (no drainage system) of the public right-of-way.
Property owners are responsible for managing erosion and drainage on their property. Steep slope areas, known and potential slide areas, and flood prone areas within the City are all mapped and are all classified under the Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA) code administered by the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI).
Property owners who want to make drainage improvements need to know if the property is in an ECA. If the property is in an ECA, please be familiar with the related code requirements and contact SDCI before you begin work.
- Online map that identifies ECAs: Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections GIS
- Code requirements for ECAs: Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA) Code - SDCI
For urgent erosion on public or private property that is caused by stormwater from the public right-of-way, please see our utility Emergencies page. If it is safe, take photos and videos of the issue.
For less urgent erosion issues on public or private property that is caused by stormwater from the public right-of-way, please request a Drainage Investigation.
File a Damage Claim
If your property suffers damage from a flood caused by the public right-of-way, and there are associated financial costs, then you can file a claim with the City to seek reimbursement for those costs. Claims can be submitted online or you can download and mail a claim form.
Additional Resources
- Citywide Flooding Safety and Response
- Frozen drinking water pipes
- Landslides - Get information on how to reduce landslides and damage from stormwater erosion.
- Snow and Ice Storms - Links to bus reroutes, school closure announcements, and checklists to get prepared.
- When the Power Goes Out
- Clean Up the Backup (PDF) - Consult SPU's guide to helping you safely clean up sewage spills.
- Adopt a Drain
File a Damage Claim
If your property suffers damage from a flood caused by the public right-of-way, and there are associated financial costs, then you can file a claim with the City to seek reimbursement for those costs. Claims can be submitted online (or you can download a claim form) at Seattle City Finance File a Damage Claim page.