Drainage

Delaware City is responsible for drainage in street rights-of-way. The drainage system consists of curbs and gutters, catch basins and pipes, and open swales and ditches. Property owners are responsible for ensuring that drainage is not obstructed by landscaping, adding gravel, or other alterations. Property owners are also responsible for routine maintenance of surface drainage in the rights-of-way adjacent to their property (Chapter 8 of the City Code). This includes mowing and litter removal. A permit is required prior to any alteration in the right-of-way. The City holds a NPDES permit from the U.S. EPA under which the City is obligated to ensure that stormwater runoff is not polluted. It is against the law to introduce any pollutant into the city drainage system. Also see Environmental Protection.