Welcome
Tell us about flooding or standing water in your neighborhood or near your workplace
The information you share will help us understand where the City’s wastewater and stormwater systems may not be working like they should. A more complete list of problem areas means we can plan better future solutions.
Is there a place in your neighborhood that looks like this? Let us know using the map below!
For a better mobile experience, visit the map at Social Pinpoint to share your ideas.
The Study
We’re studying flooding in the wastewater and stormwater systems
When flooding happens, it could mean that the system is overwhelmed somewhere else. Problems could include anything from pipes under residential streets being too small, to not having enough storage during heavy rain storms. We need to look at neighborhoods citywide to learn more about where and when flooding occurs and what the causes may be before we turn to solutions.
We want to include your stories and experiences to help us get it right. We’re looking at the big picture and the long-term. Challenges you help us identify today will be used to build our future plans.
Do you know of any flooding issues in your neighborhood?
Drop a pin on the map above to let us know what you’ve seen!
Flooding in affected areas can vary in size and severity.
Our System
We manage and maintain the stormwater and wastewater systems that help keep our neighborhoods and environment safe and healthy.
Click on the images to learn more about drainage and sewer services.
The system has expanded as Seattle has grown.
Some of the oldest pipes still in use were built in the late 1800s. Aging pieces of our system may need to be updated in the coming years.
Image courtesy of Seattle Municipal Archive; photo 49459.
Seattle has changed a lot since the first systems were built.
Think about the big changes Seattle has seen since 1875! More roads and buildings have affected natural stormwater systems and changed how water flows over land and back into our waterways.
Seattle’s stormwater and wastewater systems are very complex!
There are lots of underground pipes all over the city. When sewage and stormwater from a home or business enters the complicated system of pipes, we all rely on shared infrastructure to carry it away. The shared system needs to be big enough to handle everything we throw at it.
Stormwater and wastewater systems work without problems in most areas.
Crews are on the ground every day to proactively manage and maintain this complex network of over 1,400 miles of pipes. Stretched end to end, SPU's pipes would reach all the way from Seattle to Albuquerque!
When our systems do fail or become overwhelmed, they can cause problems.
When problems occur, sewage and stormwater can back up or spill into homes, properties, sidewalks, and streets. Heavy rain events can lead to combined sewer overflows into waterways all over Seattle. This can impact our regional water quality.
The City is currently investing in large projects to make sure that our systems are ready for the future.
We want our wastewater and stormwater system to continue to serve today’s Seattle, be resilient long-term with a changing climate, and provide affordable services for our customers.
Working Together
How can you help keep the system moving?
We maintain the shared infrastructure to keep toilets flushing, and our neighborhoods free from flooding. "Shared infrastructure" means we all use the same system of pipes, so what you put down your drain could have impacts at your house or further down for your neighbors. Click on the links below to learn more about how you can do your part to help keep the system at its best:
Who should I call if I have problems?
For emergencies, call 911
Sewer backups or bad flooding during a storm
Call our 24/7 Emergency Services line at 206-386-1800
Non-urgent plugged storm drains
Use the City’s Find It, Fix It Mobile App. A crew member will respond in 3-5 business days
Keeping storm drains free of leaves and debris is one of the many ways to help keep the system moving.