Clackamas County Urges Residents to Clear Storm Drains Before Fall Rains

Clackamas County, OR. — As fall rain approaches, Clackamas County is asking residents and businesses to check nearby storm drains for leaves and debris. A blocked grate can keep rainwater from entering the drainage system, allowing water to collect along streets and potentially threaten nearby property.

In a Sept. 23 notice, Clackamas Water Environment Services said residents can help by finding the metal storm drain grates near their homes or businesses and clearing debris from the top. The county recommends using a rake or pitchfork. Residents should leave the grates in place.

The county also asks people to rake fallen leaves at least one foot away from the curb so water can flow toward the drains. Leaves from yards should not be raked or blown into the street, where they can collect over a grate during a storm.

Storm drains carry rain and snowmelt toward creeks, rivers, wetlands or groundwater. That makes keeping debris and other material out of the system a water-quality issue as well as a flooding concern. The county says nothing should be dumped into a storm drain. Its stormwater guidance explains that litter left on the ground can wash through drains into local waterways.

Clearing leaves from a grate is a small maintenance step, but its timing matters: a pile that appears harmless in dry weather can obstruct runoff once rain begins. The county encourages residents to check drains regularly as leaves continue to fall.