Last Updated: 10/12/2020

Latest Update

New information will be posted soon.

Project Overview

The City of Madison will be completing a watershed study in the Willow Creek watershed (as shown below). The watershed study will identify causes of existing flooding and then look at potential solutions to try to reduce flooding. The study will use computer models to assist with the evaluations. In April 2020, the City of Madison Engineering Division contracted with MSA Professional Services to complete the watershed study and report, including an existing and proposed conditions analysis.

For more information please see the Flash Flooding Story Map. *Note: Please view the story map using Firefox or Google Chrome browsers. Story maps are not viewable with Internet Explorer.

The watershed drains to the north to Lake Mendota through Willow Creek, which runs through the University of Wisconsin - Madison campus.

Project Schedule

The project is scheduled to kick-off in late April 2020. The estimated time to completion of the study and report is approximately 18 months.

Public Involvement

There are a number of points of contact during this project where the public is encouraged to give feedback as part of public information meetings and public hearings. Dates and times are indicated below:

Public Information Meetings

A public information meeting was held Sept. 17, 2020. 
Sept. 17, 2020 Public Information Meeting No. 1 PowerPoint Presentation

Additional Resources

• City of Madison Flood Website
• Flash Flooding Resilience Story Map  *Note: Please view the story map using Firefox or Google Chrome browsers. Story maps are not viewable with Internet Explorer.
• Watershed Frequently Asked Questions 
• 2020 Engineering Waterways Newsletter
• Watershed Studies 2019 Audio Presentation
• Flood Prevention Flyer and website
• LISTEN: Everyday Engineering Podcast Episode: Basement Drainage   
• LISTEN: Everyday Engineering Podcast Episode: Historic Flooding   
• LISTEN: Everyday Engineering Podcast Episode: What's going on with the Watershed?   

Report Flooding

If anyone has experienced flooding, and is willing to share with the City, please report it on the City's website. Even if a homeowner reported flooding to 2-1-1, FEMA, or a City official, the City needs standardized information to create stormwater models that show existing flooding conditions. The flood data helps the City prioritize different flood projects and future watershed studies. Please report any flooding you’ve experienced.