Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities is asking for assistance from residents to clear small debris from storm drain grates and gutters in front of their homes. The National Weather Service has reported possible rain starting Friday evening and continuing into Saturday for Salt Lake City. Residents’ assistance in this effort will help prevent potential localized flooding if precipitation rises to levels being forecast for the coming days.

City crews continue to work long hours to clean streets and remove City-owned downed trees and storm debris. Residents can be a great help by removing any small tree debris, such as leaves and small branches, from gutters and storm drains in front of their homes, and stacking on the park strip or placing in a brown yard waste bin for pickup on scheduled days.

“Storm drains and gutters can become blocked during a rainstorm if a large amount of debris builds up within the drainage system. This can cause localized flooding and impact water quality,” said Laura Briefer, Public Utilities Director. “After last week’s windstorm and the lack of rain in the last few months, we are asking for our residents’ help in removing any smaller items that could impact storm drain inlets and gutters in front of their homes.”

Briefer emphasized residents are asked to help with removing manageable debris, and not expected to remove large City-owned trees or massive piles of limbs and branches.

Residents can place small debris from gutters and storm grates in their curbside containers for collection on their regular collection day. Extra compost containers can be requested for free from the Department of Sustainability at 801-535-6999.

The City is providing regular updates on storm clean-up, including tips for residents to help in the effort. For that information, please visit:

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