The City maintains and operates approximately 604 miles of storm drain systems with 1,224 manholes and 19,307 inlets. Maintaining the current stormwater infrastructure throughout the City is an important part of the Stormwater Program as it helps ensure that the stormwater infrastructure’s flood carrying capacity is maintained. The Stormwater Field Operations group within the Field Operations and Information Services Division of Public Works and Transportation is responsible for the routine maintenance and operations of the public stormwater infrastructure throughout the City.
Drainage Channel and Flume Maintenance
Stormwater Field Operations is responsible for the maintenance of the City’s concrete-lined channels and flumes. Crews inspect concrete lined drainage channels and flumes on an annual basis. Maintenance activities within drainage channels and flumes include:
- Removal of fallen trees, trash and debris that could block the safe flow of stormwater.
- Stabilizing areas around storm drain pipes and outfalls.
- Performing minor concrete repairs to headwalls, drop structures, channel walls, and flumes.
- Graffiti abatement on stormwater infrastructures.
The City does not maintain natural creeks located on private property. Stormwater Field Operations will investigate drainage concerns related to fallen trees or debris jams that block the flow of water and remove them to prevent flooding.
Bridge and Culvert Maintenance
TxDOT inspects all bridges and culverts that are over 20-feet in length on a two-year cycle. Stormwater Field Operations will perform any minor maintenance repairs identified by TxDOT. Minor repairs can include concrete repair work and rock rip rap replacement. Major repairs such as bridge deck replacement are incorporated into the Stormwater Capital Improvement Program.
Locations that have frequently overtopped during a flood event and require barricading are inspected before and after rain events to remove debris blockages and ensure each site is able to convey stormwater runoff as efficiently as possible.
Storm Drain and Inlet Maintenance
Crews inspect every City-owned inlet on an annual basis and performs any cleaning activities as needed. They will also investigate reports of slow draining inlets and storm drain systems to remove any blockages found.
Crews will also investigate and repair small sinkholes around storm drain infrastructure.
Roadside Ditches
Roadside ditches are inspected on an as needed basis. Crews will perform minor grading to ensure positive flow. Major ditch regrading or replacement of driveway culverts to reduce flooding are performed through capital improvement projects.
Maintenance of driveway culverts are the responsibility of the property owner.
Street Sweeping
Street sweeping activities remove debris from public roadways and gutters to prevent them from entering the stormwater system. The City’s street sweeping program is responsible for routinely and systematically sweeping public streets on an as-needed basis as well as on an annual routine schedule.
- Major thoroughfares
- Clean up after city wide events such as the annual Fourth of July parade
- Every public residential street once per year
- Major intersections three times per year
- Emergency clean up as needed
Report a Drainage Concern
Stormwater concerns or violations can be reported to the Public Works Department at 817-459-6550 or contact the Action Center at 817-459-6777 or online at Ask Arlington Complaint System.
If you are reporting an emergency that could result in imminent danger to the health and safety of persons or property, please call 911.