WHAT CAN I DO?

Get Involved and Bring Friends!

Our number one priority is getting our city prepared for upcoming rain storms. There are numerous ways for you and your friends to get involved and help your neighborhood stay dry. By volunteering, you’re making a big difference!

Keep Water Moving! Adopt a Catch Basin

Keeping water moving throughout the city is an essential way to keep our neighborhoods dry after a large rain event. That’s why it’s important that citizens take to the streets and adopt their local catch basins. When catch basins are clean and clear of debris, water is able to move from the street level to the drainage system underground, ensuring the streets don’t hold water. See the catch basin below? Water cannot flow freely with all of the debris and trash blocking it.

Next time you are cleaning up at home, make sure your catch basin is clear, and dispose leaves and other yard waste properly. Proper yard waste disposal includes placing leaves, sticks and twigs in garbage bags, tying the garbage bag closed, placing the garbage bags in City-issued receptacles and closing the lid of the garbage can. Used motor oil should be disposed of at an authorized drop-off site, never down catch basins.

Soak it up! Plant Trees to Reduce Storm Water Runoff

Did you know that green spaces such as neutral grounds are more than just great spots to catch a Mardi Gras parade? They are excellent green infrastructure projects that help to soak up water during a rain event. Plants, trees and grass increase the amount of water that gets soaked up, so try planting a tree to do your part in the community. Trees are also aesthetically pleasing, provide shade during our hot New Orleans summers and even lower your electricity bill if placed in the right spot!

Here are a few trees that are great to grow right here in New Orleans:

Retain then Drain! How Rain Barrels Help

Naturally, water runs down to the lowest points of the city which is why certain parts of our city such as Mid-City, Lakeview, Lower Ninth Ward and New Orleans East are more prone to flooding. Having one or more rain barrels on your property will help the water from running down too quickly into the bottom of “The Bowl.” When working at full efficiency, the local pumps can only drain out 1 inch of water the first hour and then ½ an inch after that so your rain barrels will help even out the flow of rainwater. Have fun with environmentally friendly projects! Try decorating your rain barrel to add an artistic flair to your home’s garden!

Build a Magical Rain Garden

Rain gardens are designed to temporarily hold and soak in rain water runoff that flows from roofs, driveways, patios and/or lawns. Compared to a conventional lawn, rain gardens allow for 30% more water to soak into the ground. It typically holds water only during and following a rainfall event. Because rain gardens will drain within 12-48 hours, they prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. As an added perk, the gardens are effective in removing up to 90% of nutrients and chemicals and up to 80% of sediments from the rainwater runoff.

Don’t Drain your Wallet! Efficient Fixtures can Save Money

Creating a resilient city takes everyone’s cooperation. To help save water and money on your next bill, try swapping out your old water fixtures to new ones that are more economically friendly. According to the U.S. EPA, if all U.S. households installed water-efficient fixtures and appliances, the country would save more than 3 trillion gallons of water and more than $18 billion dollars per year.