Stormwater Maintenance

We Keep Owensboro Moving!

Our three person stormwater crew is responsible for over 35 miles of ditches within the City. The crew maintains, cleans and repairs ditches in order to keep water flowing freely so that local flooding is less likely to occur.

Maintenance

Routine maintenance helps to keep the water flowing. In the spring and fall we aim to cut every ditch within the City. During the summer months, we spray to control Johnson Grass and inspect all of our ditches.

Cleaning

On an as-needed basis, we clean debris from our ditches. Fallen trees, litter and leaves are all on our list for removal. Mud and silt are "mucked out" to help keep the water flowing freely.

Construction

Some of our older ditches need greater care. Crews are often engaged in re-grading and rebuilding of our ditches where erosion has taken its toll. Our crews have also become experts at cutting new ditches.

Help

You can help us limit local flooding by following these guidelines:

• No Debris in the Street. City Ordinance 29-99 prohibits raking or blowing leaves, grass or other debris into the street. This material may reach our storm drains and contribute to local flooding.
• Vegetation. Keep the grass on your ditch banks trimmed back to where it meets your neighbors property.
• Remove Trash and Debris. Take the time to pull trash and debris out of ditches and never use ditches for illegal dumping of trash or vegetation.