Water - Flood Prevention (Official City of Bellevue Website)

Flood Prevention

Bellevue’s drainage system—composed of streams, lakes, wetlands, food detention sites, pipes and ditches—has been designed to hold and carry water during storms to prevent flooding. However, when heavy storms hit, some flooding can occur. Flooding can cause streambank erosion, destroy salmon eggs and cause property damage.

To prepare for heavy rains and prevent flooding:

Check storm drains near your home and business and clear away any leaves and debris. Clogged grates are often the reason a street floods during a storm.
Test your sump pump to make sure it will be in good working order if a storm hits.
Do not dump trash or yard debris into streams, which can block stream flow.
During a storm, it's normal for streams to rise. Some parking lots, streets and parks have also been designed to fill with water.
Do not attempt to drive through standing water.
Leave natural vegetation on steep slopes alone to prevent erosion.
If your home or business is in danger of flooding, call Utilities at 425-452-7840 (24-hour emergency number).
To find out if your house or business is in a floodplain, consult the floodplain map.
For more information on floods, check the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.

The city's drainage system, including pipelines and in-stream regional flood control facilities, is detailed in the 1994 Comprehensive Drainage Plan.