DRAINAGE Q & A’S
How can I prevent drainage problems?
Some of the ways you can help reduce drainage problems is by installing one of the following drainage diversion devices on your property. Belmont enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long seasons of dry sunny weather, but winter storms do routinely produce torrential downpours. This can create significant property damage if there is a lack of proper drainage design and maintenance.
Identifying drainage problems and Can I divert surface and ground water possible solutions to City streets or drain pipes? French Drain Yard Inlets
Overflowing rain gutters-Clear You can discharge this water to a City street leaves and debris from house gut- using an approved drainage system. ters to prevent backups in down- spouts. Never divert a water drainage system to your sanitary sewer lateral/system. Ponding occurring around the Dry Well Foundation Drain house– Install a foundation drain, If you are planning on collecting ground or french drain, yard inlets, catch surface water and diverting it to the street, or basin or dry well. a city drainage system a permit may be re- quired for installation of drainage system and Standing water in basement/crawl curb drain. space- A sump pump may be Please contact the installed for pumping water to an Belmont Permit Center approved discharge point. before starting any Catch Basin Sump Pump construction at: Over-irrigation- Avoid using too 650-595-7422. much water or watering too often. Be sure your irrigation system is adjusted properly and replace any broken sprinkler heads. Roof Gutters and Downspouts BASIC DRAINAGE INFORMATION
City of Belmont Flooding is a Water flow that occurs Drainage Issues Surface runoff primary problem. when the soil is infiltrat- Problems connected with stormwater ed to full capacity and excess water from PREVENTING DRAINAGE runoff include erosion, sedimentation, rain, or other sources flows over the land. PROBLEMS degradation of water quality and losses of This is a major component of the water cycle, environmental resources. and the primary agent in water erosion. Water can come from multiple
sources such as groundwater, Basic Drainage Law Drainage law is essentially rainwater, natural springs, over- case law. Some general principals are as watering or runoff from other follow: 1) The downstream property owner sources. is obligated to accept and make provi- sions for those waters which are the natural flow from land above. 2) The up- This brochure will help identify stream property owner shall not concen- drainage problems and provide trate water where it wasn’t concentrated corrective solutions. before without making proper provision for its disposal without damage to the down- Occur when ground- Natural Springs stream property owner. 3) No property water appears at the owner shall block, or permit to be blocked, land surface. occur because of existing soil, any drainage channel, ditch, or pipe. No rock, and landscape characteristics. Water property owner shall divert drainage water may flow throughout the year or only season- without properly providing for its disposal. ally during periods of heavy rainfall.
Groundwater Water that occurs below the surface of the earth, where it occupies spaces in soils or geologic strata. Most groundwater comes from precipitation, which gradually percolates into the Earth.
Department of Public Works Tel: 650-595-7425
For more informa on: www.belmont.gov Belmont Public Works (650) 595‐7425