Chase Drains

Douglas County recognizes that certain areas within the jurisdictional limits of the County, have excessive water discharges, which can cause the formation of algae on sidewalks.

Douglas County will evaluate each occurrence of algae formation, and may consider the installation of a chase drain to help mitigate the problem. Algae formation that causes the walkway surface to become a slip/trip hazard for pedestrians is the only circumstance wherein the County may consider installation of a chase drain at County expense. Chase drains will not be installed to mitigate ice flows, standing water issues, or excessive watering of landscape.

Example of Algae Issue

Unauthorized Chase Drains

There are some existing unauthorized chase drains that may have been improperly installed by previous homeowners. If those chase drains are inspected by the County and are determined to be a hazard to pedestrians, those chase drains will be removed.

The Department of Public Works Operations staff will reinstall a chase drain if the need for the chase drain still exists.  If the chase drain does not meet criteria for a County-funded installation, the home owner may apply for a no-cost right-of-way use permit and reinstall a County-approved chase drain at their expense.

Below are examples of unauthorized chase drains.

Homeowner Responsibilities

Homeowners are responsible for routine removal of  landscaping debris such as grass clippings, rocks, bark, and silt from all sidewalk surfaces adjacent to their property.

If a chase drain is installed, the homeowner is responsible for keeping the drainage flow path behind the sidewalks, clean and clear of any obstructions.

Lack of homeowner maintenance

Excessive Water Over Sidewalks Brochure [131KB]

If you have an unsafe algae issue on your walkway surface that you would like The Department of Public Works Operations to evaluate, please call 303.660.7480.