Flood Prevention

Leaves and other debris can block storm drains and lead to localized flooding and damage to our roads. You can help by raking leaves and keeping them out of our streets and storm drains. 

How you can help 

Rake and blow leaves away from the road. When you are raking your yard, avoid raking them near the road where they could get blown into the street and into our storm drains. If you live in an HOA or hire a landscaping company, make sure they don't blow leaves into the street. 

Be safe! When you are clearing leaves from a storm drain work from the curb, do not stand in the road. Always watch for traffic and make sure there is adult supervision for children working hard to keep our streets clean and safe. 

What to do with all these leaves?

Add them to your compost pile. Fallen leaves serve as a good carbon source for your compost pile. Mix them with other materials from your yard like grass clippings to create high quality compost. 

Use them as mulch. Spread 2-3 inches of leaves out in your garden beds to help keep weeds down, retain moisture, and prevent erosion and runoff. 

Use them as fertilizer for your lawn. Using a mulching mower simply mow over the top of them to shred them up. Over the winter these leaves will break down and add nutrients to your soil making for a healthier greener lawn. 

Throw them in your yard waste bin. Your local waste hauler will turn these leaves into compost. 

Leave a pile for the wildlife. Leaf and brush piles serve as mini-ecosystems for critters of all sizes; from microbes and butterfly larvae to birds and bees. Leave these piles over winter to provide food and shelter for your local wildlife. 

Report clogged storm drains and flooding to 425-670-5200. (Press 1) if it's after hours or an emergency. (Press 3) if it's during the day and want to speak to our streets and storm supervisor.