Gutter and downspout maintenance the concern as rain pours

With rainfall comes storm water runoff and with that may come some debris flying around, depending on the storm’s severity.

“That first rain event is called the first flush which we just experience,” says Jeff Condit. Jeff is the program manager over at Monterey Regional Stormwater Management. “It’ll pick up all of that particulate matter built up over time during that dry spell.”

That debris can be a concern for gutters and downspouts. A clogged gutter can overflow which may lead to foundation problems for your home.

Not only that, any debris from your property may make its way to the city’s storm drains. Presenting issues for the Monterey Bay in the long run.

“This is the perfect time to remind everyone that any water or anything that runs off your property could end up in our bay,” says Condit.

Experts suggest not just clearing up debris from your gutters and downspouts, but also patching up any cracks or leaks.

If in need of a new gutter system, it’s advised for residents to have their gutters at least 5 inches wide. Downspouts, meanwhile, should be about 20 to 50 feet apart from each other.

Any clearing of debris from gutters/downspouts should be done before and after rain is scheduled in the forecast, especially if it’s likely to be a heavy downpour.

The Resource District of Monterey County and Carmel River Task Force suggests “Keeping in mind where your downspouts drain. Wherever possible and safe, divert downspouts AWAY from impervious surfaces such as concrete driveways, walkways, or compacted soils and instead direct them to well vegetated areas of your property to allow runoff to sink into the soil.”

They also suggest avoiding sending runoff in the direction of hillsides, septic system leach fields and buildings where heavy damage is possible.

Another task you should take into consideration before a storm is a recommendation of Condit’s in particular.

“It’s best if you can sweep before a storm,” he says. “We would never want to power wash our properties because that would lead directly to our storm drains.”

If you have questions about your current setup or what gutters and downspouts you should keep in mind equipment-wise you can visit with local experts on the subject as well.