Protect Natural Floodplain Functions

A floodplain can be a valuable community resource. Not only can open floodplains store floodwaters which minimize flood damage, the natural vegetation of a floodplain can also filter pollutants from stormwater and improve our water quality.

 

Jefferson Parish is surrounded by the Mississippi River, many lakes, bayous, and canals; therefore, we must use drainage canals and pumping stations to remove stormwater into the surrounding waterways. Stormwater carries untreated water runoff directly into our storm drains which leads to waterways and impacts our environment.

Parish Ordinance  16.9 and 16-9.2 states it is illegal to dump debris such as trash, oil, grease, or other pollutants in catch basins, drainage ditches, or canals. Do not dump anything into any portion of the Parish’s drainage system as debris can cause the drainage system to malfunction and increase flooding.

 

The Jefferson Parish Department of Drainage has a drainage system maintenance program. You can help minimize flooding by cleaning catch basins in front of your property when they start to look like this.

Not only is it important to keep our canals free flowing, we must also consider the quality of our waterways as they provide our drinking water and affect the health of our seafood, frogs, and other wildlife that live in our waterways and provide us with food and recreation.

Contact the  Drainage Department if you have questions or need to report illegal dumping. For an in-depth look at the Jefferson Parish drainage system, check out this drainage video.