Drainage System Maintenance

A community can lose a portion of its drainage system carrying or storage capacity due to dumping, debris, soil erosion and sedimentation, and overgrowth of vegetation. When this happens, flooding occurs more frequently and reaches higher elevations, subjecting properties otherwise protected to unnecessary risk of damage.

Keep grass clippings and other debris out of stormwater drainage systems to prevent clogging and loss of stormwater storage and treatment capacity. If you experience or are aware of any localized drainage problems, including illegal dumping, please notify the City of Margate Public Works Department at (609) 822-5038 so that the problem can be corrected.

During the last few years, an entirely new and larger drainage system has been installed in Ventnor Avenue the length of the City. Tidal check valves have been installed on 21 stormwater outfall pipes along the bayfront to prevent water backing up into the drainage systems causing street flooding. This entire system carries untreated stormwater directly to the bay and ocean, and any pollutants such as motor oil, paint, fertilizer and pesticides can contaminate thousands of gallons of water.

In addition, the City has ordinances prohibiting sweeping of debris or litter into gutters and/or surface water storm drains. These ordinances also apply to all owners and tenants and help to avoid clogged drains.