Stormwater
The City of Bend’s Stormwater Program protects our community and our clean water by keeping pollutants out of our river and groundwater. Remember – only rain in the storm drain!
Stormwater is any kind of precipitation—like rain, snow, or sleet—that falls to the ground and flows over surfaces instead of soaking in. The City of Bend Program controls the amount and quality of stormwater runoff to keep everyone safe and protect our water sources. The City takes care of many stormwater facilities around the city, including drywells, drill holes, catch basins, stormwater pipes, and outfalls.
Storm Drains
Storm drains prevent local flooding by directing rainwater away from homes, businesses, and streets. Preventing polluted water from entering the storm drains is vitally important since they drain to the Deschutes River and towards our underground drinking water aquifer. Things that should not go into the drains include paint, pet or human waste, fertilizers, grass clippings or any debris. Remember – only rain in the storm drains.
Looking for a storm drain in your neighborhood?
Stormwater Fee
The monthly stormwater fee in Bend is determined by the amount of impervious surface (a surface that does not allow water to pass through) coverage, which includes areas like roofs, walkways, patios, driveways, parking lots, and more. These surfaces prevent water from soaking into the ground and therefore create water run-off.
Integrated Stormwater Management Program
The Integrated Stormwater Management Program describes how the City of Bend will implement the required measures in its two regulatory stormwater permits from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. The plan is required, reviewed, and approved by the Department of Environmental Quality.
Get Involved
The City needs your help preventing pollutants from entering storm drains.
- Learn what can and can’t go into storm drains:
- If you see something, say something. Pollutants going into our storm drains hurt our wildlife, aquatic ecosystems and our drinking water. Call 541-317-3000, ext. 2 to report pollution or flooding.
- Keep the storm drains near your home or work clear of debris and trash.
- During the winter months, keep your storm drain free from snow and ice to prevent flooding.
- Deschutes River Clean Up Day
Sign up to participate in the annual event sponsored by the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council. - Join the Water Advisory Group
Report a Spill or Illicit Discharge
If you’re dealing with flooding or a stormwater quality issue related to a storm drain, let us know! Remember – only rain in the storm drain! If you see anything other than rain or snow going into the storm drain, please report it — provide as much detail as possible, including the type and color of the substance, location, time noticed, nearest cross streets and your contact information.
- To report suspected illicit discharges, contact the City of Bend Water Services Department: Call: 541-317-3000, ext. 2, or through Bend Works online.
Your participation helps keep our waters clean and our community safe. Thank you for your support!
Reports and Regulations
Stormwater discharge is controlled by city, state, and federal governments. Cities need permits to manage stormwater drainage, and they must submit annual reports to keep these permits.
Stormwater Maintenance Agreements & Annual Reporting
Owners of properties with privately managed stormwater systems are required to properly maintain these systems and submit a short annual report to the City of Bend. For any new development, property owners are required to enter into a stormwater maintenance agreement with the City for privately owned drainage facilities. This agreement specifies the type of system installed and clearly defines the responsibilities for ongoing upkeep and annual reporting.