Redirect a downspout onto the garden at an invited east Tacoma home

Thousands of east Tacoma roofs still send their rain straight into the piped system, adding surge flow that pushes pollution into the creeks during storms. Redirecting a downspout onto a lawn or garden bed is a two-hour job that keeps that roof's water in the soil where it falls. Standard: City of Tacoma green stormwater guidance (downspout disconnection); SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Proof: before/after photos plus a water flow test away from the foundation Method (City of Tacoma green stormwater guidance (downspout disconnection); SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).): 1. Confirm the host's invitation and check that the yard slopes away from the foundation at the chosen downspout. 2. Cut the downspout above the standpipe, cap the standpipe, and attach an elbow and extension. 3. Run the extension at least 6 feet from the foundation onto a lawn or planted bed with a splash block. 4. Test with a bucket of water and confirm flow away from the house. 5. Photograph the finished redirect and the flow test, GPS-tagged and dated. Done when: before/after photos plus a water flow test away from the foundation

Where

Invited homes near E 56th St & McKinley Ave, Tacoma, WA 98404

Pay

$220 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

before/after photos plus a water flow test away from the foundation

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

Level

entry

Open until

2026-09-18

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 30–75 minutes. Method of record: EPA green-infrastructure inspection (bioretention / bioswale / permeable pavement function + maintenance)

Bring

• measuring tape
• GPS phone
• camera
• trowel / probe
• data sheet
• gloves

Steps

1. 1. Locate the GI asset; record GPS; identify the type (rain garden / bioswale / permeable pavement / tree filter).
2. 2. Photograph the asset, its inlet, and its outlet/overflow.
3. 3. Check the inlet and outlet for blockage (sediment, trash, mulch) and note whether flow can enter/leave freely.
4. 4. Check for standing water and estimate whether it drains within the design window (typically <24-48h after rain); probe media if dry.
5. 5. Assess vegetation/media condition and estimate sediment/trash accumulation depth.
6. 6. Note erosion, bypass, or structural damage and list the maintenance needed.
7. 7. Enter asset type, condition, inlet/outlet status, drainage observation, sediment level, maintenance needs, GPS, photos; sign.

If it does not match the plan

• Standing water persists > 48h after rain -> flag failed infiltration (clogged media) for rehab.
• Inlet or outlet blocked -> flag for cleaning; the asset isn't capturing runoff.
• Erosion, undercutting, or flow bypassing the asset -> flag for repair.
• Documentation only — no digging out media or altering structures.

What counts as done

• Asset type + overall condition recorded
• Inlet + outlet clear/blocked status recorded
• Standing-water / infiltration observation recorded
• Sediment/trash level + maintenance recommendations + GPS + photos

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.