With the heavy winter rains upon us, El Cerrito residents should keep in mind that creeks and culverts will experience substantial flows during periods of sustained rainfall. Many of the creeks and normally dry watercourses will be carrying storm water into the municipal storm drain system this time of year.
The City needs your cooperation and assistance in assuring that our storm drain system functions properly. Here are some tips from the Public Works Maintenance Division:
If you have a creek or open watercourse on your property, make sure that any debris or vegetation does not block the flow of water. The City does not maintain creeks on private property, but can assist El Cerrito homeowners with resources to help you if you are experiencing creek bank erosion or flooding on your property. If you observe any blockages at metal "trash racks" or where the creek flows into an underground pipe, contact the City Maintenance Division at 215-4369 to report the problem.
Make sure that the gutter in front of your business or residence is kept clear of any impediments that would restrict the flow of storm water. Cut back any vegetation that spills over the edge of the curb, clean out drain pipes underneath driveway approaches and do not allow soil or loose material to get into the gutter area.
If you have a storm drain grate in the street near your home, check it frequently during heavy rains to make sure it is not blocked with trash or leaves. If you observe a catch basin that is not draining or needs to be cleaned, contact the City Maintenance Division at 215-4369.
If you are experiencing flooding on your property from water entering by way of the street, you can contact the City for sandbags. A maximum of ten (10) bags per household may be obtained at the Corporation Yard with proof of residency. Bags would be filled on a self-serve basis. The Corporation Yard is located at 7450 Schmidt Lane (across from the Recycling Center).
If the flooding on you property is not caused by high flows in the public right-of-way, residents should obtain sandbags from their local building supply yard, landscape supply company or hardware store.
If you have a drainage system on your property, make sure it is functioning properly and that surface run off or roof down spouts are not directed onto your neighbors yard which could cause flooding on their property.
Over the past six years the City has been making extensive repairs and improvements to its storm drain system to replace old pipes and improve flow capacity. During periods of normal rainfall the storm drain system is designed to collect and convey run off from City streets. However, residents should be aware that during periods of extremely heavy rainfall (usually referred to as "cloudbursts"), the storm drain system may not be able to handle all the water flowing into it. This may cause some temporary street flooding that usually dissipates as soon as the deluge subsides. Also, because the entire City storm drain water collected eventually is carried into the San Francisco Bay, high tides together with high rainfall levels can cause temporary backages in the system, especially in the low-lying levels of the City.
If you have questions about storm drain system maintenance or need additional assistance, please contact the Maintenance Services Division at 215-4333. If an emergency situation after hours or on weekends arises, contact the El Cerrito Police Department at 233-1214.
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