Pierce County residents can reduce flooding on Pierce County roads by picking up yard waste on their properties and making sure nearby storm drains are free of leaves.

“With wet fall weather returning and leaves falling, the potential for flooding along county roads increases,” said Brian Ziegler, Pierce County Public Works director. “By taking a few minutes throughout the fall to check on nearby storm drains and clean out leaves, residents help reduce flooding on our roadways.”

Pierce County residents can take the following actions to keep storm drains clear:

• Pick up leaves and other yard waste from properties and put them in yard waste bins for pick up.
• If it can be done safely, remove leaves from storm drains with a rake.
• Find a list of local facilities that accept yard waste and leaves, often free of charge, at www.piercecountywa.org/yardwaste.
• Call Pierce County Public Works at (253) 798-6000 or submit a Request for Action at www.piercecountywa.org/rfa if the storm drain is on a Pierce County roadway with high traffic volume or limited sight distance for vehicles, the blockage can’t be cleared or the roadway is flooding.

Residents in cities and towns should contact their local public works department to report flooding or storm drain problems.

For information about preparing for winter weather, visit www.piercecountywa.org/winterwise.