3 Practical Flood Prevention Strategies Every Community Can Employ

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

No community wants to endure a costly flood cleaning project. While numerous flood prevention strategies exist, some measures are expensive, long-term projects, that may not be ideal for smaller communities with limited budgets and minimal infrastructure. However, practical techniques that do not require extensive resources exist to help every city and town, including Sunland Villages, AZ, reduce their flood risk.

1. Sustainable Drainage Systems

Paved roadways and concrete sidewalks are common fixtures in most communities. Although they provide convenient transportation avenues, these structures do not absorb water. Grass and other vegetation do, however. For this reason, it’s important for every community to maintain gardens and other green spaces such as grass fields and parks.

2. Floodplains

Low-lying land adjacent to rivers and streams is prone to flooding. Instead of utilizing these areas for development, consider maintaining them as a floodplain. This may be an efficient flood prevention strategy because a floodplain acts as a natural water retention zone that can collect a significant amount of water. Floodplains also help slow rainwater runoff. Both benefits may minimize water overflow into surrounding communities, helping to prevent potentially devastating water damage to local homes and businesses.

3. Sewer Systems Free of Debris

In most areas, rain water is diverted into the sewer system. A significant storm can quickly inundate and overwhelm the system, increasing the community’s flood risk. The situation is further complicated if storm drains and sewer lines are contaminated by trash and other debris. For this reason, every community should take proactive measures to eliminate garbage, sediment and tree roots from sewer lines and drainage channels.

Recovering from a flood can be a lengthy process, especially if the damage necessitates extensive cleanup and restoration initiatives. While no community can fully eliminate their flood risk, these practical flood prevention measures can help protect the interests of residents and business owners by reducing the likelihood of a devastating and costly flood.