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Green Bay

Green Bay Officials Urged Residents to Clear Drains

Public works leaders asked for assistance after significant flooding events throughout the year.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Severe Weather

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a metal storm drain grate, evoking local infrastructure maintenance.
Green Bay officials have requested that residents assist in clearing local storm drains following significant flooding events throughout the city this year. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should residents be responsible for clearing storm drains to help prevent local flooding in their area?

The Green Bay Department of Public Works has called on residents to clear storm drains and join the Adopt-a-Pond program to prevent street flooding. This request follows a series of heavy rain events in April and June that overwhelmed existing city infrastructure.

Why it matters

Local storm sewers were not designed to handle the high volume of rainfall observed in recent months. City officials are seeking public cooperation to mitigate flood risks while long-term infrastructure improvements are underway.

A June 24 storm deposited 85 billion gallons of water across Green Bay, with 2 to 4 inches of rain falling in under two hours. To date, more than 50 percent of stormwater pipes near Seymour Park have been upgraded to manage increased capacity.

The players

Green Bay Department of Public Works

This municipal agency is responsible for maintaining city infrastructure including roads, bridges, and stormwater management systems.

Green Bay City Council

The local governing body oversees the municipal budget and approves major infrastructure projects for the city.

The details

The Department of Public Works presented a report to the City Council detailing the strain placed on the city's drainage systems during recent intense weather. In addition to manual clearing of debris by residents, the city is prioritizing further pipe upgrades near Seymour Park.

Timeline

  1. April 2026: Green Bay recorded 5.25 inches of rain during a single week.

  2. June 24, 2026: An intense storm brought up to 4 inches of rain in under two hours.

  3. October 6, 2026: The Public Works Department presented a flooding report to the City Council.

  4. Next year: Additional stormwater pipe upgrades are scheduled near Seymour Park.

Seasonal Patterns

The city's recent flooding aligns with the extreme rainfall witnessed during the June 24, 2026, storm, which far exceeded seasonal norms. These events highlight the increasing pressure on urban water systems during volatile weather periods.

Residents can reduce localized flood risks by keeping storm drains and retention ponds near their homes clear of yard waste and debris. Volunteers are also encouraged to enroll in the Adopt-a-Pond program to assist with ongoing maintenance of local water infrastructure.

The takeaway

Proactive debris removal remains a critical defense against street flooding when infrastructure capacity is exceeded. Residents play a vital role in preventing blockages that exacerbate the impact of intense rainfall events.

What happens next

Additional stormwater pipe upgrades near Seymour Park are planned for completion over the course of the next year.

Further reading

For more on regional climate challenges, visit the Severe Weather section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by WLUK.

Live Poll

Should residents be responsible for clearing storm drains to help prevent local flooding in their area?