Downspout Disconnection A Great Spring Project in Everett

The City of Everett has a suggestion for a downspout disconnection project to add to your spring to-do list if you live within the combined sewer area of Everett. The attached map shows the area where both stormwater and wastewater combine together to flow to the wastewater treatment plant. By disconnecting your downspout from the sewer system you can help relieve some of the pressure on the system during heavy rains. The City of Everett has a program where you may be able to quality for free help in doing your downspout disconnection. Here are a few more details…

Benefits
Correctly disconnecting your downspouts from the sewer system helps reduce some of the stress heavy rainfall has on the combined system. A combined system is where pipes carry both wastewater (water from our toilets and house / business drains) and stormwater (rain or snow that washes off streets / roofs) to the wastewater treatment plant.

Disconnecting the Downspout
Disconnecting your downspout can be accomplished fairly easily with an elbow, pipe extension, and splash block. If done correctly, it helps direct water away from your house to a suitable area where the runoff can spread and soak into the surrounding landscape or another pre-designated area.

Minimum Requirements
Besides having a suitable area for water runoff, other factors determining the success of downspout disconnection include having adequate distance from adjacent property lines, the amount of slope your property has, and assurances that excess water will not affect neighboring properties. If your property does not meet these minimum requirements, downspout disconnection is not recommended.

City of Everett’s Program
The City of Everett is partnering with the Snohomish Conservation District to inspect specific northwest neighborhood downspouts in the combined sewer area. If your downspouts qualify for the program, Snohomish Conservation District, with assistance from its partners, will design and install a downspout disconnection system for your home at no expense to you.

Contact Apryl Hynes for more information about this program at 425-257-8992.