Flood Prevention

Increased Precipitation

The New York City Panel on Climate Change (NPCC) anticipates that by the end of the century, the city could experience as much as 25 percent more annual rainfall than today, and 1.5 times as many days with more than one inch of rain. The intensity of rainfall is also increasing, with more rain falling in a shorter amount of time. These types of high intensity “cloudburst” rain events—sudden, heavy downpours where a high volume of rainfall occurs in a short amount of time—can exceed the capacity of New York City’s Sewer System.

Sea Level Rise and Tidal Impacts

In coastal areas, rising sea levels can exacerbate local flooding conditions, causing tidal water to enter the sewer system and reducing the speed at which water can drain from inland sources. Sea level rise in New York City has averaged 1.2 inches per decade since 1900, nearly twice the observed global rate.

Learn more about our Climate Resiliency programs and intiatives.

Partially Clogged Catch Basin

Fully Clogged Catch Basin

Another serious cause of flooding is blocked catch basin grates in our streets. This occurs when rain water—especially during very intense storms—pours over streets and sidewalks, pushing debris like leaves and litter on to the catch basin where it molds itself into a mat. Such debris can block the grate so completely that the rain water cannot enter the storm sewer. Instead, it pools around the basin, causing flooding even before the storm sewer is full.

If you observe a catch basin that is clogged or in need of repair, please call 311 or fill in this online this form so our staff can track, pin point, and address any problem areas.

Causes of Street Flooding and Sewer Backups

Sewers can also become overtaxed during intense rain events when the sheer volume of stormwater and wastewater entering the system fills them to capacity, leaving no space for excess water to enter. In this condition, described as a sewer being surcharged, the excess stormwater remains above ground. Unless absorbed by green spaces or channeled to a body of water, this flooding can flow off the street into below-grade areas such as driveways, patios and basements.

Day to day, we work to keep our Sewer System up and running efficiently. We clean and maintain our sewer and drainage systems to keep them in a state of good repair. At the same time, we plan and build both traditional infrastructure and implement best management practices for managing stormwater and wastewater.

Sewer Backups

If you have experienced a sewer backup after a heavy rain event or snow melt, call 311 or fill in this online form. For information about how to clean a home after a flood or sewage overflow, visit Sewer Backup or Flood Clean Up.

• Learn more about our Sewer System
• Learn more about our Wastewater Treatment System
• Learn more about Stormwater Management

We clean and maintain over 150,000 catch basins citywide. We do our best to keep them clear of debris—but all New Yorkers can chip in. Prior to a storm, you can help ensure they’ll function at their best by carefully removing litter, leaves, or other debris from the grates.

Each fall, leaves clog catch basin grates, so be sure to pick up your leaves for collection. Check guidelines and dates of the Department of Sanitation’s free Leaf Collection Program.

And if you see a catch basin that is clogged or damaged, please call 311 or fill in this online form so that we can follow up.

To learn more about catch basins, download our Catch Basin FAQ.

One way to reduce pressure on overburdened sewers is to use less water in our homes and businesses. The less water we use, the less sanitary flow we create, and the more space there will be for stormwater in our sewers during heavy storms. Reducing the water we use also has the added benefit of curbing greenhouse gas emissions. The less water we let go down the drain or flush down the toilet (we call it “wastewater”), the less energy it takes for the City’s 14 wastewater treatment plants to process and treat it.

• Learn a few Water Saving Tips
• Learn more about our citywide Conservation Programs

Though our sewer and wastewater treatment system seems like a technical process, there are lots of things each of us can do to help maintain a healthy sewer system. What you pour down the sink, flush down the toilet, or leave at the curb can make a big difference in how well our sewer system functions.

• Learn about Trash It. Don’t Flush It.
• Learn about Safe Disposal of Harmful Products
• Learn more about our Sewer System and Wastewater Treatment System

Green Infrastructure improves the environment by allowing rain to be naturally absorbed into the ground instead of flooding our streets and overburdening our Sewer System.

Install Green Infrastructure on Your Property

We provide financial incentives for installing green infrastructure, or stormwater source controls, on private property in New York City. These programs help to cover up to 100% of the costs of designing and constructing green infrastructure practices.

• Learn about the Green Infrastructure Grant Program for green roof retrofits
• Learn about the Resilient NYC Partners Program