Raleighnc.gov logo
Thank you for printing this page from the City of Raleigh's Official Website (www.raleighnc.gov)
https://raleighnc.gov/stormwater/services/stormwater-system-and-projects
06/29/2026 12:09 pm

Saratoga Headwall

Stormwater System and Projects

Pipes, Drains, Dams, and More

Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Jump To:

 
What We Do What Makes Up the Stormwater System? Ongoing Survey Work Our Projects How We Prioritize Projects

The stormwater system is made up of natural and man-made infrastructure that carries stormwater through the city to streams and rivers. Stormwater infrastructure reduces hazardous flooding, preserves water resources, and protects people in Raleigh.

What We Do

We improve and maintain the stormwater system so it carries stormwater safely and correctly. We inspect infrastructure to check the condition and determine repairs or replacement. The stormwater system in Raleigh consists of:

  • 600+ miles of City-owned stormwater pipes
  • 1,000+ miles of stormwater pipes owned by NCDOT and other private property owners
  • 190+ miles of City-owned streams, creeks, ditches, and other open channels
  • 980+ miles of streams, creek, ditches, and other open channels owned by private property owners.

What Makes Up the Stormwater System?

Click through the images below to see what makes up the stormwater system in Raleigh.

The downstream view of the dam at North Shore Lake

Dams

We oversee 36 low and high-hazard dams that are on City, public, or private property. Do you have a dam on your property? Learn how to maintain it.

If you are visiting a recreational area that has a dam, please DO NOT go near the dam or spillway structures.

Did you know: All lakes in Raleigh are man-made and have a dam. The dams can be used to store water for mills, agriculture, water supply, hydroelectric energy, flood control, recreation, and aesthetics.

A new stormwater pipe that carries rainwater from Juniper Street

Pipes and Culverts

We improve and construct corrugated metal and concrete pipes, and concrete box culverts that carry stormwater through the system. This infrastructure reduces flooding to homes and streets, and protects watersheds in Raleigh.

Learn more about stormwater projects.

A metal storm drain on a street in Raleigh.

Storm Drains

We inspect and maintain more than 26,000 storm drains in the city. Stormwater maintenance crews handle these repairs. They also make sure that storm drains are cleared before a rainstorm. 

Report a clogged storm drain.

Petworth Court Stream

Waterways

Streams, lakes, and rivers are essential natural assets that benefit the environment and community. We repair and/or restore streams throughout Raleigh to improve their water quality and reduce impacts from flooding.

Learn more about lakes in Raleigh.

Fire Station 12 Wetland

Stormwater Devices

These devices control and clean stormwater that flows onto a property when it rains. We maintain 75 City-owned devices and inspect more than 2,000 on private property. 

Learn more about stormwater devices.

Ongoing Survey Work

We're getting data and details on the condition of the stormwater system across Raleigh. This includes collecting information on the type and location of the infrastructure and where water flows when it rains. Surveying helps us:

  • Better understand the pipes and drains that carry water to streets and streams when it rains.
  • Meet state regulations that require us to take an inventory of the system. 

Where We're Working

Zoom in on the map below to see where we're collecting data. Select the three lines on the map (upper right corner) to see what the icons mean.

Our Projects

We identify projects each year that are approved by Raleigh City Council. We plan 10 years ahead. Projects in the first year are funded and future projects are funded during the next year's planning process. 

Project Types

  • Lakes: Prevents flooding damage to roads and buildings downstream and improves water quality.
  • Stormwater System: Prevents flood damage caused by stormwater runoff coming from public streets.
  • Streams: Reduces impacts from sediment and other water pollution.
  • Bridges: Work is completed on bridges over creeks when the structure is unsafe to travel on or affecting the stream.

How We Prioritize Projects

Stormwater projects are prioritized based on if they are:

  • Located within City of Raleigh limits
  • Carry stormwater runoff from public streets
  • In line with the City’s strategic and comprehensive plans

A project also must meet the following goals:

  • Address public safety and health
  • Reduce flood hazards
  • Meet stormwater regulations
  • Improve water quality
  • Benefit local watersheds and stormwater assets
  • Gain community support
  • Generate opportunities to improve the stormwater drainage system
  • Indirectly benefit the community

Resources

 

Find Your Watershed

Contact

 

Wayne Miles, PE
Stormwater Program Manager
wayne.miles@raleighnc.gov
919-996-3964

Subscribe

 

Support Pages

 
Back to Stormwater
Lead Department:
Engineering Services