Private Stormwater System Management

Private Stormwater System Management

Bainbridge Island has public and private stormwater systems working together to prevent flooding and pollution. The City is responsible for the Island’s public stormwater system and more information is available on our Public Works’ Operations and Maintenance page. Private property owners are responsible for their own private stormwater systems. If you’re not sure if you’re responsible for a private stormwater system, contact us.

Private stormwater systems provide for collection, conveyance, flow control, and sometimes water quality treatment; and they might include a combination of the following components:

  • Roof gutters and downspouts
  • Catch basins
  • Pipes (underground and/or aboveground)
  • Culverts
  • Swales
  • Ditches
  • Ponds, tanks, vaults, etc.
  • Flow Control Structures
  • Treatment Filters
  • Permeable pavement
  • Rain Gardens
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General Stormwater System Maintenance Requirements:

  • No pollution - “Only Rain Down the Drain” Prevent anything but rainwater from entering any stormwater drainage facility or system and immediately remove any pollution that is found in your stormwater system.
  • Safe access - the ability to safely inspect, operate and maintain
  • Functional and structural integrity - ensure the system is working as designed and constructed, and is maintained to standards (e.g. no broken parts, no cracks or holes, no erosion, etc.)
  • Reducing debris and sediment load - prevent and remove sediment and debris that may block pipes or the facility from functioning as intended
  • Vegetation management - plant, cut, remove vegetation as needed
  • Good housekeeping - use, store, and dispose of household waste, yard waste, and hazardous waste appropriately

Benefits of actively managing stormwater on your property will… 

    • Protect people and animals
    • Increase safety and decrease liability
    • Maintain your property value
    • Minimize and/or eliminate flooding
    • Prevent high-cost damage and/or repairs
    • Improve site aesthetics
    • Comply with environmental laws
    • Reduce the amount of pollution in our Island creeks and Puget Sound

Tips for Inspecting and Maintaining a Private Stormwater System:

Contact Us

  1. spillgrateweb

    Report Water Pollution

  2. Water Resources
    Email
    206-842-2016