City Increases Stormwater, Sewer Maintenance Response Following Excessive August Rainfall

SAVANNAH – The City of Savannah Water Resources Department is intensifying stormwater and sewer system maintenance following unusually heavy rainfall in August that significantly impacted local utility services.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) at Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah received 11.79 inches of rain in August—nearly doubling the 30-year average of 6.79 inches. Comparative data from Weather Underground indicates some areas in Savannah received more than 20 inches of rain during the month.

Downtown Savannah, the Islands, and the Southside received nearly triple their average rainfall, pushing groundwater levels to unprecedented heights. The persistent, heavy rain and saturated ground conditions placed strain on in-ground utility systems citywide.

The City’s stormwater drainage system was inundated throughout August. Crews increased mitigation efforts while also advancing more than 16 active stormwater improvement projects, with additional projects scheduled.

Stormwater Management staff have increased ditch and canal cleaning efforts to ensure a clear path for stormwater to drain from streets and roadways to the river. Large Vacuum (VAC) trucks have been operating continually citywide to clear stormwater inlets and respond to resident reports.

Sewer Conveyance staff have been actively responding to issues with Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) caused by the heavy rainfall. Inflow is water entering the sewer system, and infiltration is groundwater seeping into the system. I&I has contributed to recent sanitary sewer spills and infrastructure failures. Sewer Conveyance staff work year-round to proactively clean sanitary sewer lines, rehabilitate old lines, and complete point repairs on the vast underground pipe system.

In 2025, sewage spills are estimated at 2% above the 20-year average of 13 spills annually. To date, the City has addressed 13 minor sewage spills (under 10,000 gallons) and two major spills (over 10,000 gallons).

The City of Savannah is the largest utility provider in the region, serving an estimated 79,000 sewer customers and over 80,000 metered water customers. The underground network includes an estimated 960 miles of sanitary sewer mains and force mains, 416 miles of stormwater conduits, 146 miles of ditches and canals, and more than 1,000 miles of water mains.

Some portions of the system date back centuries. During the City’s history, portions of the stormwater and sanitary sewer systems were combined. They were separated in the 1970s into two separate systems, creating today’s complex underground piping system.

The City urges residents to help reduce flooding risks by keeping storm drains, canals, and ditches free of debris. It is a violation of City ordinance to place vegetative debris, litter, or trash into stormwater inlets. Blockages can cause backups and localized flooding during heavy rain events. For more information on yard waste and trash disposal, visit savannahga.gov/sanitation.