What should I do with all the water draining down my slope?

Water often has a huge impact on slope stability.  You want to be certain that your shoreline drainage strategy or irrigation systems are not leaking or contributing to bank instability or erosion.  Drainage management above shoreline slopes can be complex, so we typically recommend using professional guidance to assess and develop a water management strategy that is appropriate for your property.  


Some things to keep in mind: if you have any pipe systems (tight lines, subsurface drains, French or curtain drains, etc.), know exactly where they are.  Monitor them several times each year for leaks or breaks, so you don't soak extra water into a slope or bluff unintentionally.  Remember that our "natural drainage management systems" are incredibly valuable: our native vegetation provides an incredible service with regard to water management.  Layers of trees, shrubs and groundcovers will intercept, slow down, take up, and evapotranspire rainfall on your property, thus decreasing the amount of runoff that you need to manage.  In contrast, large paved or roof areas and big lawns actually create extra water that you will have to manage in order to avoid contributing to erosion or even slope instability.  

Go back to the Shore Friendly Pierce page for more information about shoreline plants and water management. 

The webpage and downloadable publication below provide an excellent overview and additional guidance:

Show All Answers

1. Do I need to protect my shoreline from erosion?
2. What should I do with all the water draining down my slope?
3. How should I manage trees for views (and plants in general) on my shoreline?
4. Are there alternatives to bulkheads and what to alternatives, or soft shore projects, look like?
5. Who can help with shoreline permits?
6. I can't remove my bulkhead. Can I still do something to contribute to a healthy Puget Sound?
7. What is the problem with shoreline armor (aka. bulkheads)?