Storm Drain Cleaning

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Storm Drain Cleaning Progress

2024 Total
Catch Basins Cleaned
5,913
Drainage Lines Cleaned
776,468ft
Debris Removed
4,080,000lbs
2025 Contractor (YTD)
Catch Basins Cleaned *
4,781
Drainage Lines Cleaned *
327,972ft
Debris Removed
9,632,440lbs
2025 In-House (YTD)
Catch Basins Cleaned
3,580
Drainage Lines Cleaned
128,488ft
Debris Removed
568,640lbs
2025 Total (YTD)
Catch Basins Cleaned
8,361
Drainage Lines Cleaned
456,460ft
Debris Removed
10,201,080lbs
* Includes Pre-Assessed Clean Catch Basins and Drainage Lines   Last Updated: November 10, 2025 at 8:44 PM

Search for Cleaning Updates

View recent storm drain cleaning activity in your area. The map below shows locations of catch basins, lateral lines, and drainage mains that have been cleaned or are scheduled for cleaning.

Understanding Our Drainage System

New Orleans' drainage infrastructure is a complex network of interconnected components that work together to protect the city from flooding.

Drainage Infrastructure

Drainage Infrastructure Diagram
Catch Basins (76,000+)
Street-level structures that collect stormwater runoff from roads and sidewalks. These are the grated inlets you see along curbs throughout the city. They capture water and debris before it enters the drainage system.
Lateral Drainage Lines (200+ miles)
Smaller underground pipes that connect catch basins to the larger drainage mains. These lines transport water from individual street blocks to the main drainage network.
Drainage Mains (1,810+ miles)
Large underground pipes that form the backbone of the drainage system. They collect water from lateral lines and transport it to pumping stations. These include both small mains (typically 12-36 inches in diameter) and large mains (36+ inches).
Drainage Canals (170+ miles)
Open channels that receive water pumped from drainage mains. These canals carry water away from populated areas to Lake Pontchartrain or other receiving bodies of water. They serve as both conveyance and temporary storage during heavy rain events.
Debris
Material removed from the drainage system during cleaning operations. This includes leaves, sediment, trash, and other objects that can clog pipes and reduce drainage capacity. Regular removal of debris is essential to maintaining system performance and preventing flooding.
System Maintenance
SWBNO maintains this infrastructure through a combination of in-house crews and contracted services. Regular cleaning and inspection helps prevent blockages, identifies maintenance needs, and ensures the system can handle New Orleans' heavy rainfall events.

Dashboard Feedback

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