What can you do?

Here's what you can do to reduce inflow and infiltration in the sewer system, to help boost our capacity to treat wastewater during the wet season.

Inspect your roof gutters and downspouts to see if they are connected to the sewer system. If so, have them disconnected.

• Direct downspouts onto lawn and garden beds. A great resource on building a rain garden has been produced by WSU Pierce County Extension, Rain Garden Handbook (external link) for Western Washington Homeowners.
  
• Hook up a rainbarrel or cistern to your downspouts. Helpful information is available at:
• Rain Barrel Information and Sources -- Saving for a Sunny Day: Rain Barrels in the Garden
• Rain Barrels, Under-Exploited Cost Savings for Consumers and Businesses , d.c. greenworks (external link)

For information about the sewer system in your neighborhood, contact your local sewer service provider.