During heavy rains, Clean Water Services responds to local flooding problems in low-lying areas of urban Washington County. Crews clear leaf-clogged stormwater grates, inspect and clear culverts, and monitor known problem areas to ensure the public drainage system is operating properly.
Our crews are standing by 24 hours a day to respond to flooding problems that threaten public health, safety, or property. If water is more than a few inches deep, request assistance online or call 503.547.8100.
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. This sand is for FLOODING PREVENTION USE ONLY. Remember to bring your own shovel.
- Never stand on a storm drain or try to remove it.
- If water is more than a few inches deep, please call your City’s Public Works Department or request assistance from Clean Water Services online or call 503.547.8100
Get Your Home Ready for Rain
Help prevent neighborhood flooding and protect your home:
- 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 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.