CRWA and the City of Boston Seek Resident Help to Address Stormwater Flooding in Boston
The City of Boston Office of Green Infrastructure has launched a resident survey to capture on-the-ground reports of flooding after rain storms.
Due to climate change, Boston is experiencing more severe and heavy rain events, resulting in increased flooding across the city. To address this growing concern, the City of Boston Office of Green Infrastructure is developing a comprehensive flood map and database that will be partially populated by resident reports. This resource will also integrate data from past reports from residents and commuters to the City’s 311 system, police and fire services. Data on flooding impacts is being compiled to inform future policy decisions, like wetland regulations and updated zoning laws. It will also help identify the best locations for green infrastructure solutions to store floodwaters.
This project is a collaboration with the City of Boston and numerous community-based organizations, including Charles River Watershed Association and a technical team. Residents can snap a photo and answer a few questions to pinpoint flooding hotspots for inclusion in the database and potential development of concept designs focusing on nature-based solutions, such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement, to manage stormwater. Concept designs will focus on Environmental Justice (EJ) neighborhoods and other areas where residents and community-based organizations have identified stormwater flooding as a significant issue. Local community members will also be invited into the design process to ensure success as the City works to make neighborhoods more resilient to climate change.
In addition to gathering data for the flood impacts database and seeking feedback on proposed flood mitigation designs, this project will support capacity building within communities, supporting local groups and residents that would like to see more nature-based solutions, mainly green infrastructure, in Boston. Those interested in being more involved can contact CRWA Climate Resilience Director Julie Wood.
We will host a public meeting on Wednesday, January 15th, to discuss the project with community members, gather feedback, and outline our next steps.
We need your help with this project! Please spend a couple of minutes filling out this survey about where and when you observe flooding. If there is an area of chronic flooding in your neighborhood, please report it ASAP; no need to wait for a photo.
