MACON, Ga. — During light rainfall, Zack Watson says the storm drains in his neighborhood let the water flow out pretty smoothly, but when it gets heavy, it's a different story.
He says, "When we get a downpour, just for 10 or 15 minutes, my driveway's the drain."
The root of Watson's frustrations stem from a storm drain near his yard.
He says, "When I first moved here, the problem wasn't here, and it's just gotten worse."
Rainfall is supposed to flow through storm pipes, but Watson says it moves directly into his yard and driveway. He says, "It's a mess. I mean, when we have a good rain, we've got to get wet feet to get in our vehicles if we're going somewhere."
Water runs from the street, down his driveway, and pools up around his house. Clumps of debris clog various drains around Watson's home, and a tree stump blocks a storm pipe.
For several years, Watson says he asked for help from Macon-Bibb County Public Works to clear the storm drains. He says he asks, "About every six months. They know me."
Macon-Bibb Spokesperson Chris Floore says Interim Public Works Director Tim Wilder came to look at the storm drains at Watson's property.
He says Watson put in about five service requests over the years. Floore says it's not uncommon that drains get clogged up over time, but the tree stump is a problem.
Watson feels his home is getting damaged, and possibly on its way to seeing long-term effects.
"There's a crack starting right here. It hasn't made it all the way, but how much longer is the water going to tear up my house," says Watson.
Floore says Public Works will remove the tree stump.
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