It may not be something you look at every day but storm drainage infrastructure is all around you. This network of man-made infrastructure or gray infrastructure, like this storm drain, feeds unseen pipes that ultimately lead to natural infrastructure like this creek. Some gray infrastructure is visible to the eye but most of it goes unnoticed because it's underground and can't be seen. Throughout our city there are thousands of miles of storm drainage pipes and culverts that ensure runoff from rain drains safely to creeks and is as clean as possible. The typical storm drainage system looks like this. Stormwater does not get clean at treatment facilities. It goes directly into the creeks.
There's public infrastructure and private infrastructure. Storm Water Services maintains and improves public storm drainage infrastructure. We like to say you're driving, walking or standing on some of our best work every day. Like anything that's built, gray infrastructure needs to be maintained and replaced at the end of its lifespan in order to work properly. Aging or failing infrastructure can lead to flooding or even collapsed roads. On any given day we are in neighborhoods across the city working on more than 400 projects to maintain, improve and install new stormwater infrastructure.
There are many ways you can help right in your own neighborhood. Keep storm drains clear and clean. Report drainage concerns, flooding or surface water pollution to 3-1-1. Volunteer to protect our waterways. Connect with us on social media. Remember, it's our public stormwater infrastructure and it keeps our city safe and beautiful.