According to Wish TV weather we are experiencing one of the wettest years on record.  Our rainfall has reached over 27 inches so far, well above the average 19.79” to date amount.  Residents are often calling in requesting help in alleviating flooding and drainage problems.  It’s often beyond just the normal nuisance of being too wet to mow the grass.  What can be done?

#1 – LOOK

Look around your home, yard and even beyond, through your neighborhood.  Where is water standing?  What is downhill – where is the water supposed to go?  Are there obstructions in the way such as limbs, sediment, accumulated leaves or other debris?

#2 – ACT

Clean out driveway culverts, storm drain inlets and drainage swales, ditches or creeks.  Make a clear path for the water to follow.  If drainageways are clogged with sediment this may entail some heavy manual labor or using excavating equipment to clear it away.  Be sure to re-seed, mulch and use erosion control blankets to protect the disturbed area from erosion.  Cooperation within the neighborhood is essential to solve many of these problems!

#3 – CALL

If you find that a city storm drain is not draining even after you have cleared the inlet call Citizens Energy Group (317) 924-3311 to have an inspection scheduled.  They will give you a reference number so that you can call back to hear what the result of the inspection was.

If the drainage problems are on private property and do not involve a city storm drain, then homeowners are responsible for maintaining the drainageway or solving the drainage problems.  The Marion County Soil & Water Conservation District provides technical assistance to help homeowners find solutions.  Contact Julie Farr through our website (select “drainage department”) for more information.

Drainage problems can be serious.  Wet crawl spaces can cause structural problems as well as adversely affecting your health; septic systems can back up or the effluent can attract mosquitos which may carry the West Nile virus.  They also have a negative effect on the value of your property.  Maintain positive drainage on your property and work together with you neighbors to find ways to alleviate these problems.