How Do I... Apply

Check Status

Find

Pay

Report

Request

See

About Bellevue City Profile

Economic
Development

Environmental
Stewardship

Planning Initiatives

City Hall Emergency

City Government

Text Size

Small

Medium

Large

Available Languages

Español

Storm and Surface Water

Introduction
	Drainage Basins
	Floodplain Map
	Flood Prevention
	Keeping Waterways Clean
	Peamouth Minnows
	Salmon in the City
	Storm and Surface Water System Plan
	New Zealand Mud Snails
	NPDES Program
	Streams, Lakes and Wetlands
	Stream Team
	West Nile Virus

Flood Prevention

Bellevue’s drainage system—composed of streams, lakes, wetlands, food detention sites, pipes and ditches—has been designed to hold and carry water during storms to prevent flooding. However, when heavy storms hit, some flooding can occur. Flooding can cause streambank erosion, destroy salmon eggs and cause property damage.

To prepare for heavy rains and prevent flooding in your neighborhood:

Check storm drains near your home and business and clear away any leaves and debris. Clogged grates are often the reason a street floods during a storm.
Inspect and clean sediment, debris and rocks from driveways on your property, private roadway culverts, and swales. Culverts (pipes that carry stormwater under a roadway) can get clogged and cause flooding on driveways and roads. Property owners are responsible for maintenance of these private drainage systems. If you to hire a service, see list of vendors.
Clear debris and leaves from roof gutters and downspouts.
Do not dump trash, grass clippings, wood, Christmas trees, large rocks or other debris into streams or drainage ditches, which can block the flow of water. If you see dumping, call Utilities at 425-452-7840.
Leave natural vegetation on steep slopes and along streams and lakes alone. Plants slow stormwater runoff, filter pollutants, and stabilize the earth so it won’t wash away.
Test your sump pump to make sure it will be in good working order if a storm hits.
During a storm, it's normal for streams to rise. Some parking lots, streets and parks have also been designed to fill with water.
Do not attempt to drive through standing water.
If your home or business is in danger of flooding, call Utilities at 425-452-7840 (24-hour emergency number).
For general drainage questions, call Utilities at 425-452-7840 or send an email to Utilities Operations and Maintenance.
To find out if your house or business is in a floodplain, see King County's flood insurance rate maps.
To see if an elevation certificate is on file for your property in Bellevue, see Elevation Certificates.
For more information on floods, check the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.

The city's drainage system, including pipelines and in-stream regional flood control facilities, is detailed in the Draft 2012 Stormwater Plan.

Related Links

Drainage Around Your Home Adobe Acrobat

FEMA