These practices have pros and cons, but the presence of water and the lack of water have the power to change and transform a place.
Seattle is known for its plentiful access to water. However, keeping that water in specific locations and away from homes is an issue. Drainage systems throughout the city divert rain water underground or into open ditches.
Floods
Some neighborhoods are geographically prone to floods because they are located near watersheds, rivers, or a coast. Watersheds flow from higher elevation streams, drain through neighborhoods, and then drain into rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound. For example, Thornton Creek flows near the Ronald Bog and Northgate areas to Matthews Beach and then into Lake Washington. Piper’s Creek flows near Carkeek Park and into Puget Sound. Heavy rains can increase water levels and overwhelm the capacity of drains and creeks.
Lack of elevation is a contributing factor in other neighborhoods. Madison Valley, Bitter Lake, and Haller Lake are located in low lying areas of the city. They have historically experienced flooding when the pumps could not work fast enough to redirect and remove the water.
Watch
You can help contain the abundance of water that flows underneath and around Seattle:
- Where ever you are located, watch where water flows around your home and neighborhood.
- Keep street drains near your home free-flowing by clearing away leaves and debris.
- Call the City of Seattle drainage problem hotline at 206- 386-1800 to report street drain back ups.
- Plant trees. Trees love water and are natural containers.
- Avoid driving through flooded areas. According to King County, the most flood-related deaths occur when motorists drive through standing water, around barricades, and around road-closure signs.
Raymark
Call Raymark Plumbing and Sewer to help contain and redirect unwanted water at your home. The rainy season is coming. Stay dry. 206-430-1954.