Storm Water Department

STORM WATER DEPARTMENT

The Storm Water Department is responsible for repairing and maintaining storm water drains and conveyances throughout the City. Activities include:

  • Street sweeping
  • Storm clean up
  • Outfall inspections
  • Composting of debris and leaves
  • All drainage issues that concern residents both residential and commercial

Learn more about New Haven’s Storm Water and MS4 Program.

How do these activities help storm water?

Street Sweeping:

Street sweeping not only makes the streets cleaner, but it is also an important part of storm water pollution prevention. It prevents unwanted materials from flowing into the storm drains and polluting our waterways, thus improving water quality. Street sweeping also helps to prevent backups and flooding.

Outfall Inspections:

New Haven maintains over 100 outfalls as part of the storm water drainage system.  These outfalls discharge storm water collected in the city to waterways.  New Haven is responsible for inspecting the structures and the areas around them for repairs, erosion, and illicit discharges.  

Leaf Collection:

Although leaves seem harmless, excess leaves pose a threat to water quality. Leaves block drains and contribute to localized flooding and can be discharged into our rivers and streams. Once they get into the water, excess leaves shade aquatic life that need sun to live. Decomposing leaves also release nutrients that stimulate growth, which in turn can lead to fish kills. Mulching leaves on your lawn is less labor intensive than raking or burning leaves and will actually serve as a natural fertilizer returning nutrients to your lawn instead of decreasing water quality.

Get email notifications about Combined Sewer Overflows (CO) in Fort Wayne and New Haven.