Neighborhood Drainage Assistance Program (NDAP)
Frequently Asked Questions
Information on this page is taken from the NDAP flyer. You can read the text version by scrolling down the page, or you can download or view the flyer in PDF format.
NDAP Flyer (pdf, 748 KB)
What is the Neighborhood Drainage Assistance Program?
The Water and Land Resources Division's Neighborhood Drainage Assistance Program (NDAP) addresses flooding, erosion and sedimentation problems affecting private property in unincorporated King County. The NDAP can design and fund capital improvement projects and repair existing drainage systems. Technical assistance is also available for questions about construction, permit, and storm drainage.
What types of problems receive assistance?
The NDAP targets problems beyond the control of private home and business owners. For example, many drainage pipes and channels can't convey increased storm runoff created by upstream construction, clearing, or filling. Some older drainage systems are now failing because no one is responsible to take care of them. Other problems are caused by drainage code violations like flow diversions or blockages.
What kind of services does NDAP offer?
- Construction projects
- System repair and one-time maintenance
- Technical assistance
What kind of problems won't the NDAP address?
- Drainage problems involving one neighbor's runoff, unless the neighbor is very clearly violating a regulation
- Very expensive problems requiring a major Capital Improvement Project
- Problems caused in part by the affected property owner
- Problems caused primarily by groundwater
- Minor problems where little damage occurs, or damage from very large, infrequent storms may not qualify for funding. However, technical assistance may be available for these problems
How can the NDAP help you?
- Call us at (206)296-1900 to discuss your concerns with Water and Land Resources (WLR) drainage investigators. We can schedule a site visit if necessary and tell you whether the problem qualifies for Neighborhood Drainage Assistance.
- If you have already made such a call and the NDAP pamphlet was mailed to you as a follow-up to our initial visit, a drainage engineer will contact you soon.
How are problems prioritized?
Because of the large number of eligible neighborhood drainage problems and a limited budget, Water and Land Resources is not able to fund a solution for every problem investigated. The objective of the program is to correct as many of the most urgent of these problems as possible.
A WLR engineer will identify a possible solution for most problems after assessing their severity and frequency. Solutions are then ranked for funding based on their cost and the severity of the problem. Each project is then assigned to one of three WLR solution groups, and participants are notified.
The types of projects include constructing capital improvements, maintaining existing drainage systems, and enforcing of drainage code requirements.
Program policies and examples of past NDA projects are available upon request.
What if no funds are available for your project?
If funds are not available for your project, Water and Land Resources can still assist you with information and advice. This may include construction suggestions; lists of engineers, contractors, or mediation services you can call; permit requirement information; and sketches and details of common drainage facilities.
Call (206) 296-1900 and ask for NDAP Technical Assistance.
How can you help us help you?
Keep a log of drainage problems. Take pictures or videos and make notes about what you have seen and heard during a problem, what you have done to try and fix it, and who you have talked to about it. Include the date and time of day with all notes, photos, and videos.
Document the problem on the ground. Stake the edges of high water in your yard, and mark the height of flooding on your buildings, fences, or trees to help drainage investigators later. Consider attaching a yardstick to the side of your impacted house, fence, or other structure to record water levels during storms or floods.
Who can I contact if I have questions about this program?
Contact the Stormwater Services Section.
More Information:
King County's Drainage and Water Quality Complaint Inquiry Program
King County's on-line drainage complaint inquiry form for property owners in unincorporated King County.
For questions about the Stormwater Web Site, please contact Mary Lear.
|
