Drainage and Flooding
Storm water is a natural part of our landscape, but too much creates public hazards and causes damage to both private and public property. In partnership with our community, Washoe County Community Services Department teams work together to control day-to-day runoff on public property, provide guidance on new development, and recommendations for private property owners who experience repeat flooding.
Helpful Community Resources
Stay Informed
Know Your Risk. Act.
Monitor. Prepare. Respond.
Washoe County, working closely with partnering agencies, responds to rapidly rising lake levels or spot flooding within the community water conveyance system following a prepared and practiced, proactive flood protection plan. Review our real time data and flood response and sign up to receive community flood notifications.
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Our Drainage System
Our community has water conveyance systems on both private and public land. Water conveyance systems (curbs and gutters, catch basins, storm drain pipes, French drains, gutters, culverts, ditches, detention ponds, etc.) are typically designed to convey runoff from “every-day” or minor storm events. It is reasonable to expect localized pooling or flooding during larger storm events including thunderstorms and micro-bursts that are common in the Northern Nevada high-desert environment. If fact, your neighborhood culvert or ditch may overflow during larger storm events. Submit a request for service if you see drainage issues in your neighborhood.
Property owners should keep weeds and debris from building up in their drainages on their property.
