Storm Drainage

Storm drainage - what is it?

  • When it rains or snow melts, water that does not soak into the ground runs over the surface and drains into a collection of inlets, ditches, pipes, ponds, culverts, gulches and creeks until it ultimately reaches the South Platte River.
  • During a precipitation event a significant portion of water flows in the street. This stormwater runoff is not treated at a wastewater treatment plant. It goes directly into creeks and ultimately the river.
  • Storm drainage is managed by the City to minimize flooding and limit pollutants into stormwater.
  • Find out more about flooding and floodplains on the Flood Information webpage

How is it managed?

  • Much of Littleton is older, and unfortunately some older developments did not adequately design for or properly accommodate drainage. As a result, there are drainage problems throughout the City.
  • City staff continually evaluate storm drainage problems and potential solutions. These projects are prioritized into design and construction projects as funding allows.
  • The system of inlets and pipes and creeks are managed and maintained by City staff.
  • Some creeks are maintained with assistance from the Mile High Flood District.
  • The Storm Drainage Enterprise Fund provides budget for such projects in the public right of way, in addition to funds for maintenance activities of existing pipes and drainage channels. This is billed to residents and business owners together with the sanitary sewer billing.

Criteria and forms

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