What you can do about storm drain problems in Berkeley
As winter storm season starts in Berkeley, here's how to report storm drainage problems and help tackle them yourself.
Susan Schwartz, president of Friends of Five Creeks, took a moment this week to remind friends and neighbors how to report drainage problems in Berkeley as winter storm season starts.
The point of Schwartz's advisory was two-fold: How to not only report storm drainage issues but also do something about them yourself.
"It’s great to see sun after yesterday’s rain, slides and floods. But our rainy season is just beginning — and with climate change, we can expect more and stronger deluges," Schwartz wrote earlier this week.
"Our storm-drain systems that handle rain runoff, many built 100 years ago and poorly maintained, need upgrades. Both Berkeley and Albany have begun making new plans for this."
In the meantime, Schwartz said community members can help out by noting and reporting issues to the city, including:
- Frequent flooding, water spouting out of street drains, or backups
- Wet spots that may indicate leaks, backups or slide danger
- Failing culverts or other infrastructure, or creeks that flood
- Lack of needed storm drains: Saturated soils can cause washouts or slides
- Basins that don't get cleaned
- Rain gardens that need maintenance
Schwartz said Berkeley has asked for reports of possible trouble spots via an online survey.
But that's not all.
You also can help clear out drains yourself as part of Berkeley's "Adopt-A-Storm Drain" program.
As part of the program, "volunteers keep their storm drains free of debris, improving the water quality of the Bay and preventing street flooding during storms."
Read more about Berkeley's adopt-a-drain program.
In case of flooding or to report a clogged storm drain, the city of Berkeley advises community members to call 311 or 510-981-2489.
Learn more about Friends of Five Creeks, including ongoing and upcoming events, on its website.
