Last Updated: 07/07/2020

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.

Timeline

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 Informational Meeting #1

The City of Madison Engineering Division anticipates that the first Public Informational Meeting for this project will take place in Summer 2020. Willow Creek watershed residents will be notified via City postcard when a date, time and location has been selected. The meeting will be open to all interested members of the public.

Watershed Study Information

To learn more about flash flooding and why we are completing a watershed study in this area please visit: 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.

You can also listen to a presentation about our watershed studies at: Watershed Studies 2019 Audio Presentation

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.

Additional Information

• City of Madison Flood Website
• Engineering Waterways Newsletter
• Flood Prevention Flyer and website
• Download the Engineering's Podcast: Everyday Engineering on iTunes and Google Play.
  • Listen here to the episode on flood proofing your home
  • Listen here to the episode about basement drainage