When the first big storm hits Moraga, a clear storm drain can be the difference between a calm evening and a flooded driveway. You want to protect your home and keep our creeks healthy, but it is not always obvious where your responsibility starts and ends. In this quick guide, you will learn why storm drains matter, what you are expected to maintain, and the simple steps that prevent most problems. Let’s dive in.
Why storm drains matter
Storm drains carry rainwater from streets and yards straight to local creeks, reservoirs, and the Bay without treatment. That means anything that enters a grate or gutter goes into our waterways. The Town emphasizes the idea of only rain in the drain to prevent pollution from oil, paint, soapy water, and yard waste. You can read the Town’s overview of storm drains and resident responsibilities on the Town of Moraga site for context and tips.
- Learn more: the Town’s storm drain overview explains how runoff flows to local creeks and why keeping pollutants out matters. Town of Moraga storm drains overview
Who maintains what in Moraga
The Town maintains the public storm drain collector system and cleans many structures. On private property, you are responsible for features like concrete swales, driveway drains, and other private drainage that ties into the public system. If your property borders a creek, routine clearing of obstructions is generally your responsibility to the creek centerline, and creek blockages can be a public nuisance. The Town’s pages outline these responsibilities and how to report issues. Storm drain and creek maintenance details
The Town adopted a Storm Drain Master Plan that inventories about 27 miles of storm pipe and 35 creek culverts and identifies roughly $26 million in capital needs. This long-term context is a good reminder that prevention at the property level goes a long way. You can explore the plan and program updates for a fuller picture. Moraga Storm Drain Master Plan
Moraga also participates in the countywide Clean Water program and follows regional permit requirements for inspections, education, and enforcement. That is why homeowner actions are encouraged and sometimes required. Moraga Clean Water (NPDES) Program
Simple preventive steps
Keep street grates clear
Sweep leaves and sediment away from curb inlets and catch basin grates near your home. Do not hose debris into the gutter because that pushes pollution downstream and can clog pipes. If a public grate is blocked and you cannot clear it safely, report it to Public Works using the Town’s contact options. Report or learn about maintenance
Manage leaves and yard waste
Compost or bag leaves for pickup instead of blowing them into the street or creek channels. Yard debris in gutters is a common cause of localized flooding and nutrient pollution. National guidance reinforces that keeping organic waste out of stormwater protects waterways. Why leaf management matters
Handle roof runoff wisely
Where feasible, direct downspouts to lawns, landscaped areas, rain barrels, or small rain gardens so water soaks in on-site. This reduces peak flows to the storm system and helps recharge soil. Always check local rules before altering connections that tie into the public right of way. Green infrastructure basics
Wash cars the right way
Do not let soapy wash water reach the gutter. Use a commercial car wash, wash on permeable ground, or capture and route water to a sanitary sewer cleanout if allowed. For pressure washing, block drains, collect water, and dispose of it properly. Stormwater BMPs for washing
Dispose of oils, paints, and chemicals
Recycle used oil and antifreeze at approved centers and take paints and solvents to household hazardous waste programs. Dumping these materials into storm drains is prohibited and may result in enforcement. County FAQs explain how to report illegal dumping or discharges. County guidance and reporting info
Care for creeks on your property
If you border a creek, routinely remove fallen branches and trash. Structural work in the channel or on banks often requires permits from state and federal agencies, so coordinate with Moraga Public Works before starting any in-stream work. Creek maintenance responsibilities
Pre-storm checklist
Use this quick list each fall to reduce flooding and pollution risks:
- Clear gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks.
- Sweep leaves away from curb inlets and grates.
- Inspect driveway drains and culverts; remove sediment.
- Check that downspouts discharge to landscaped areas or barrels where feasible.
- Store paints, oils, and yard chemicals under cover.
- Place drip pans under vehicles that may leak.
- Secure yard waste for pickup; never blow it into the street.
- Keep a few sandbags if you are in a low spot; the Town offers a self-serve station at Rancho Laguna Park. Town sandbag and maintenance info
- Confirm who to call for blocked public drains: Moraga Public Works 925-888-7026.
- Save the illicit-dumping hotline: 1-800-663-8674 (1-800-NO-DUMPING). County reporting details
How to report or get help
- Non-emergency maintenance: Contact Moraga Public Works for blocked public grates, sinkholes, or culvert issues. Phone: 925-888-7026. You can also use the Town’s Report an Issue links on the maintenance page. Public Works contacts and guidance
- Illicit discharges or dumping: For immediate danger, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 1-800-663-8674 and provide the exact location and photos if possible. County FAQ and hotline
- Flooding emergencies: If water threatens life or safety, call 911. For property flooding tied to public drainage, contact Public Works. Residents can fill sandbags at Rancho Laguna Park during storm season. Town storm and creek maintenance
Permits and rules to know
Moraga follows the San Francisco Bay Area Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit, which shapes local inspections, enforcement, and public education. If you plan work that affects drainage or creeks, check in with Public Works first to avoid violations. You can review the regional context and local program summaries here:
- Regional permit overview and resources. Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit
- Town program participation and requirements. Moraga Clean Water (NPDES) Program
Buying or selling in Moraga?
Storm drain care shows up in disclosures, inspections, and curb appeal. Simple maintenance can prevent inspection flags and protect your investment. If you are planning to list or buy and want local guidance on property prep and neighborhood considerations, let’s talk. Connect with Liz Gallagher for a calm, expert plan tailored to your Moraga home.
FAQs
Is it illegal to pour oil or paint into a storm drain in Moraga?
- Yes. These are illicit discharges that flow directly to creeks and the Bay; recycle or use household hazardous waste programs instead, and report violations to the county hotline. County FAQ
Who fixes a clogged public catch basin near my home?
- If it is in the public right of way, report it to Moraga Public Works; you are responsible for private drains on your property. Town maintenance guidance
What can I do if my property borders a creek?
- You can routinely remove trash and fallen branches, but structural changes or bank work usually need permits; contact Public Works before starting. Creek responsibilities
What should I do if I see milky water coming from a storm grate?
- If it is an immediate hazard, call 911; otherwise note the location, take photos, and report to 1-800-663-8674 or Moraga Public Works for follow-up. County reporting info
Why does the Town stress homeowner actions on stormwater?
- Local programs are guided by the regional stormwater permit, and homeowner behavior helps reduce pollution and flooding risk town-wide. Regional permit overview
