Kent seeks public’s help to clear storm drains

Published 5:12 pm Monday, October 29, 2012

The city of Kent wants residents to help clear storm drains of leaves as forecasts this week of heavy rain and strong winds could pose drainage problems.

“With the heavy rains we’re anticipating, we’ve had crews out checking storm drains and clearing any debris,” said Kelly Peterson, Kent’s environmental conservation supervisor. “Unfortunately, just a few leaves or other debris clogging a storm drain can cause localized flooding in places that it normally doesn’t occur, so it’s really important to keep storm drains clear.”

Peterson said crews really appreciate the public’s help to prevent flooding.

“With more than 17,000 drains across the city, we’re asking residents to grab their rakes and make sure the drains in front of their yards are unclogged,” he said. “Leaves can be placed in compost piles or your green yard waste bins.”

Residents are asked to call Kent’s Public Works Department at 253-856-5600 to report clogged drains and/or localized flooding.