Clear the ground-level gutters and downspout outlets on an invited Camden rowhouse block (2026-07-18)

Camden's combined sewer system backs up in heavy rain, and blocked downspout outlets on old rowhouses push roof water straight against brick foundations. Basements in Waterfront South and Cramer Hill take on water storm after storm. Clearing leaf litter and debris from ground-level gutter outlets is the cheapest first defense a block can do for itself. Standard: EPA combined-sewer overflow guidance + Camden SMART stormwater initiative; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities). Proof: GPS-tagged before/after photos of each cleared outlet plus a debris-bag count Method (EPA combined-sewer overflow guidance + Camden SMART stormwater initiative; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities).): 1. Walk the invited rowhouse frontage and find every downspout outlet and ground-level gutter within reach. 2. Pull leaves, trash, and sediment out of each outlet by hand with gloves until water can run free. 3. Reseat any loose downspout elbow so it discharges away from the foundation. 4. Bag the debris and set it out for collection per the city schedule. 5. Photograph each cleared outlet with a GPS-tagged before-and-after pair and record the count. Done when: GPS-tagged before/after photos of each cleared outlet plus a debris-bag count

Where

Invited rowhouse blocks, Waterfront South, Camden, NJ 08104

Pay

$80 proposed

This packet is not funded yet, so this figure is a proposed price and not money waiting in escrow. If a buyer funds it, approved proof settles that price onchain. If nobody funds it, approved proof earns provable credit toward the work instead of cash. You see which before you claim, never after.

Proof

GPS-tagged before/after photos of each cleared outlet plus a debris-bag count

This is exactly what gets it approved. Nothing settles without it.

Level

entry

Open until

2026-10-17

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 30–60 minutes. Method of record: Ground-level (no-ladder) gutter downspout extension, splash-block and debris clearing to route roof runoff away from a rowhouse foundation and shared party wall

Bring

• gloves + trash bag (debris)
• downspout extension or splash block
• garden hose (flow test)
• camera

Steps

1. 1. ASSESS: photograph the downspout outlet and the ground/foundation area it drains to; check whether water is pooling against the foundation or a neighbor's party wall.
2. 2. Clear any reachable debris from the downspout outlet and the ground-level elbow by hand, from ground level only — no ladder, no roof access.
3. 3. Fit and secure a downspout extension or splash block so discharge routes at least several feet from the foundation, away from the party wall and any basement entry.
4. 4. Flow-test with a garden hose at the gutter's ground-level outlet and photograph the water routing away from the foundation.

If it does not match the plan

• The gutter trough itself or a second-story downspout section needs clearing/repair -> STOP at ground level; name the roofline-gutter job (credentialed crew) instead of climbing.
• Standing water already inside the basement -> flag to the occupant immediately; this ground-level fix does not address existing intrusion.

What counts as done

• Downspout outlet and ground-level elbow clear of debris
• Extension/splash block routes water measurably away from the foundation
• Flow-test photo/video showing water routed away, not pooling
• Ground-level work only — no ladder or roof access used

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.