Report a drainage problem in Austin after the rain

Short answer

Austin Watershed Protection tracks non-emergency drainage problems: clogged inlets, debris in channels, erosion, and standing water that lingers after rain. A factual report with the exact location puts it on the maintenance map.

Who this is for

Austin residents who notice a clogged storm inlet, debris in a creek or channel, new erosion, or water that stands long after the rain stops.

The steps, in order

1. Confirm this is not an active flood; for life safety call 911, for active street flooding call 311.
2. Pin the exact location of the inlet, channel, or low spot.
3. Describe what you see: blockage, debris, erosion, or standing water.
4. ATX files the Watershed Protection report and you keep the number.

Have this ready

• The exact location
• What you observed and when
• Photos after the rain if you have them

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting until the next storm; a dry-weather photo of the clogged inlet still documents the problem.
• Reporting an active flood here; emergencies go to 911 and active flooding to 311.

Common questions

Who handles clogged storm drains in Austin?

Austin Watershed Protection maintains drainage infrastructure like inlets, channels, and creeks. Austin 311 takes the report and routes it; we file it with the detail that crew needs.

Is standing water in my yard a city problem?

It depends on the source. Water from a clogged public inlet or damaged channel is the city's lane; purely private drainage usually is not. A factual report gets that determination started.

Official sources

• Austin Watershed Protection
• Austin 311

Checked August 26, 2026. Recheck the official page monthly and when the official page changes.

Related

• Austin 311 help: report and track a city issue