Get Ready for Rain

Get your home ready for rain and help prevent neighborhood flooding with these tips:

• Clear leaves and yard debris off streets and storm drains.
• Clear gutters and downspouts.
• Keep yard debris and leaf piles away from drainage ditches and streams so that rising water does not carry the material downstream and block a culvert.

The first big rain after a long stretch of dry weather washes any pollution that has accumulated on the ground into storm drains. In Washington County, whatever goes into our storm drains goes straight to the nearest stream, wetland and our Tualatin River — not a treatment facility. Prevent the build-up of pollutants on the ground by using stream-friendly solutions in your yard year-round.

During heavy rains, Clean Water Services crews are standing by 24 hours a day at 503.547.8100 to respond to flooding problems that threaten public health, safety or property. If rising water occurs:  

• Visit a self-serve sand station located throughout Washington County. Please call ahead to confirm hours of operation and availability of sand and bags. Please note: The sand is for FLOODING PREVENTION USE ONLY. Remember to bring your own shovel.
• If water is more than a few inches deep, give us a call at 503.547.8100. Never stand on a storm drain or try to remove it.

Learn more about flood risk, emergency preparedness and insurance on our Flood Facts page. 

Contact

Julie Cortez
Public Affairs Specialist - Content & Media
Clean Water Services
503.681.4453 (o)
503.880.0503 (m)
cortezj@cleanwaterservices.org