Standing water poses potential hazard

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Recent rains means the potential for flooding or standing water on city streets – water that poses a potential hazard. 

The city of Indianapolis is sending out an important reminder. It's time to get outside and clean sewer drains.  

Remnants of winter washed away by the rain clog up sewers. This happened Friday morning when heavy rain overnight caused flooding on Keystone Avenue near Kessler. 

Part of the northbound lanes were shut down until the water drained away. In that case the flood is the city's responsibility, says Lesley Malone of the Department of Public Works.   

"We take care of right of ways and thoroughfares and intersections. But no, in those residential areas and properties that is owned by residents, it's all them," she says. 

That means a clogged sewer inlet on a side street is the responsibility of the property owner.   

"We encourage all residents and business owners to clear out those inlets. That is their responsibility to make sure those ditches and drainage and the culvert in front of their driveways are clear," says Malone.

If a sewer sits on or in front of your property, you have to make sure it's clear. It's the law.  According to city code, "The owner of property is responsible for maintenance of the property's drainage facilities."

If you have a sewer in front of your home it is your responsibility to shovel away runoff.  

Also by law, residents are required to keep the ice and snow off of those sewer inlets, and any other drainage areas you have on your property. 

The fine for not doing so on the surface seems small. Not more than $10.

Each day it's not cleared can be considered another violation. In a month, if you are cited, it could cost $300.