Storm Sewers

Miami Township Service is responsible for the storm sewers (open ditches, culverts, catch basins, pipes, and curb inlets)  located within the public right-of-way.   The Township personnel inspect, clean, repair or replace these components as necessary to keep the flow of storm water.  The property owner is  responsible for storm sewer pipes, catch basins, and ditches  that are located on private property outside the public right-of-way.  Right-of-way is normally 25 feet from the center of a roadway.


If you would like to request an inspection for a possible blocked or clogged storm sewer, please contact the Service Department at 248-3728 or use our online Report It form.  In order to facilitate our efforts to keeping the storm sewers in good working order, the township has begun keeping storm sewer information in a database.  This database records the location of storm sewer pipes, catch basins, their sizes and conditions, and to where the water flows.  In addition, storm sewer interiors may be videotaped to inspect for cracks and debris.


Preventive Maintenance is the best maintenance for storm sewers and ditches.  This can only be achieved with the help of township residents.  Only storm water (which is the precipitation from rain or melting of snow and ice) should go into the storm sewers and ditches.  Leaves, sticks, or other yard waste should not be allowed to collect in ditches or in any area that would allow these items to be washed into the storm sewers and catch basins as they are likely to seriously reduce water flow through the system.  Once a storm system is clogged, the resulting back-up of water can create hazards for motorists and damage to homes.  The Service Department will try to clear the blockage with a jet rod (forcing of high pressure water).  When this does not work, the last resort is to dig the pipe up and remove the blockage.