Surface Water Management Division
Frequently Asked Questions
about Drainage Problems and Site Investigations
Can you stop my neighbor from dumping water onto my property?
Surface Water Management can provide you with technical assistance in protecting your property from the waters encroaching upon it, but SWM does not have enforcement capabilities. We encourage you to work with your neighbor as much as possible, however, if you need assistance with enforcement of County Codes, you should contact Snohomish County Code Enforcement at 425-388-3650.
Can you put a berm across my driveway to stop the water from coming off the road and down my driveway?
Snohomish County cannot generally expend public funds to protect individual private properties. To do so could be considered an illegal use of public funds. Quite often, installing a berm only moves the problem to another location on the property or to a neighboring property. Surface Water staff can provide alternatives to protect your home from drainage. You can arrange a site visit by calling 425-388-6467.
Who is responsible for the water that comes onto my property from the culvert under the road?
In most instances, road culverts are placed within the natural and historic drainage path for the area. If the road had never been constructed, it is likely the water would have still flowed within those drainage areas. It is the responsibility of the private property owner to maintain a drainage path for the water, as well as to discharge the water at the natural location within the property.
What do you mean by technical assistance?
After completing an inspection of your property, a drainage investigator will give you advice on different measures you can take to protect your property from being damaged by stormwater. The advice may include everything from the installation of a French drain to the construction of a wildlife pond. Each investigation is different and therefore requires a separate set of recommendations. If it is deemed that County action, such as maintenance of a County road culvert, is necessary for the resolution of the problem, the drainage investigator will arrange for that to be done.
Who can I talk to about the impacts of the new development that is being constructed near my property?
Any questions about new developments and their impacts should be directed to Snohomish County Planning and Development Services (PDS) at 425-388-3311.
What is a French drain?
A French drain is an infiltration system used to capture surface and subsurface water for the purpose of directing it away from a problem area.
Will the County pump the water from my house?
No. County crews only work to protect County roads and County owned facilities. We are not funded to work on private property for a non-public benefit.
Will the County sandbag my house to protect it from the water?
Snohomish County Public Works is neither funded nor authorized to expend resources to safeguard private property where the County owned public facilities are not contributing factors.
Will you look at my slope failure?
We will assess a drainage problem that may be contributing to slope instability, but we cannot judge the overall stability of the slope. If you are concerned about a potential failing slope that might endanger your home or property, we recommend that you obtain the services of a Geotechnical Engineer or other specialist that could properly assess the problem and give you specific technical advice.
Who is responsible for cleaning the ditches and drainage systems along the County roads?
Snohomish County Road Maintenance is responsible for the maintenance of all systems within the right-of-way. You can reach Road Maintenance at 425-388-7500 or toll free at 800-562-4367 Ext. 7500.
How long will it take for someone to look at my problem?
In most instances, a drainage investigator should be able to look at your problem within a week of the initial filing of a complaint. During periods of intense and/or extended rainfall, the time-frame may be somewhat longer. You should receive either a written response or phone call within two weeks of the investigation.
Who do I talk to about enclosing the ditch in front of my house?
Snohomish County does not encourage the enclosing of drainage ditches along County right-of-way. Open ditches allow water from the road and from your property to easily drain into the system. They are also easy to inspect and maintain. Enclosed systems may not provide the same flooding protection to your home or to the county road. However, if you wish to enclose a ditch within County right-of-way, you will need to get a "Right-of-Way Use" permit. "Right-of-Way Use" permits are issued by Snohomish County Planning and Development Services (PDS). PDS can be reached at 425-388-3385.