Storm drainage update

Help the city modernize its drainage manual

We're in the process of updating the city's Drainage Criteria Manual, which is key to guiding how water drainage is managed throughout the city. Your involvement in this update is important because water drainage across the city affects you and every resident by influencing neighborhood safety, roadway conditions, and the long-term health of Lakewood’s waterways. Participate in this project:

• Take the quick polls.
• Review the answers to frequently asked questions.
• Ask a question.
• Sign up to follow this project.

About this project

Since the adoption of the manual in 1982, our community, climate, and approach to sustainable development have changed significantly. By updating the manual, the city is committing to support resilient infrastructure, safeguard public resources, and promote thoughtful, sustainable growth for the future.

The manual determines how city infrastructure improvements are built and how private development occurs. The updates to the manual will incorporate modern practices to reduce urban runoff, integrate green and natural infrastructure, enhance water quality protection, and address the evolving challenges associated with climate change.

Effective drainage systems are essential to protecting both the environment and the financial well‑being of the community. Environmentally, responsible stormwater management helps preserve local waterways, reduce erosion, improve habitat quality, and support long‑term ecological health. Financially, clear and up‑to‑date drainage criteria reduce flood risks, limit costly infrastructure repairs, and ensure that both public and private investments are built to withstand future conditions.

The updates to the manual will aim to meet the following objectives:

• Update applicability to better account for the cumulative impact of new development.
• Modernize technical standards to reflect current widely accepted stormwater engineering best practices.
• Add new policies for green infrastructure to reflect community priorities in Envision Lakewood 2040.
• Enhance water quality requirements to protect waterways, natural habitat, and wildlife.
• Prepare for future conditions associated with climate change.