Urban System

The District's local storm water drainage system consists of storm drains, detention and retention basins, and pump stations. The system is designed to retain and infiltrate as much stormwater and urban runoff as possible. The District's Storm Drainage and Flood Control Master Plan includes 161 drainage areas, each providing service to approximately one to two square miles. All but five of the developed drainage areas are served by a retention or detention facility. Click here to see all 162 drainage areas and the basins and pipeline that serve them.

Stormwater flows into storm drain inlets, and through a network of pipes to a nearby ponding basin. Here the water is stored to protect neighborhoods from flooding and to replenish the groundwater aquifer, which is the primary source of our community’s drinking water. The diagram below right shows the secondary use of basins as recreational facilities.

Local drainage services include topographic mapping, Master Plan engineering and facility design; system construction, operation, and maintenance; and engineering design services to ensure adequate drainage for new development. Click here for more information on the storm drainage system.

Funding for local drainage services comes from fees paid with new development. Each year drainage fees are updated to keep pace with cost changes in construction and land acquisition. Click here for more information on the annual drainage fee update.

Rain Season Sand Bag Information

County of Fresno

Field offices: 299-3818 and 252-1071.  If no answer, call the main office number: 262-4240.  Sandbag delivery is available for senior citizens through the County Health Department, 445-3391.

City of Fresno

Main number: 621-1492, emergency after hours number – 621-1100.
City of Fresno residents can pick up sandbags or have them delivered (disabled and elderly residents have priority).  Someone MUST be at home to receive delivery. 

Sand bags will be issued if the flooding is coming down the street, not into backyards.  If residents need sandbags right away, they can be picked up at the City of Fresno corporate yard, located at El Dorado and “E” Street (621-1492).

City of Clovis

Main number: 324-2600
Street Department: 324-2615
Residents must bring their own shovel and fill and load bags into their vehicle.  10 bags per residence.