Storm Water

Responsibilities

The Storm Water Division of the Public Works Department maintains the City’s storm drain system, drainage ditches, reservoirs, pump stations, and other facilities to provide control and disposal of stormwater run-off. The system is maintained and operated through a storm run-off plan and program that is in compliance with State and Federal regulations.

Protecting our water supply is everyone’s job. Please DO NOT put contaminants, oils, paints, fluids, etc., into the storm drains.

Street Flooding

All stormwater-related issues and concerns about drainage problems should first be reported to the Public Works Department at (559) 665-8615, ext. 789 ,during business hours. After regular business hours, contact the Chowchilla Police Department at (559) 665-8600.

Sandbags and Sand

If your home or business is possibly subject to flooding during heavy winter rain, you can obtain sand for sandbags at the City Public Works Corporation Yard (on the north side outside of the fence) at N. First Street between Sonoma Avenue and Monterey Avenue. YOU MUST BRING YOUR OWN SHOVELS AND BAGS AND FILL YOUR OWN BAGS.

Empty sandbags can be purchased at local hardware stores and big-box warehouse stores. For those who can’t afford to buy sandbags, the City of Chowchilla has a limited supply of empty sandbags available that you can pick up at two locations. Because of the demand, only a small number of sandbags can be given out. If you have another source for sandbags or can buy them, please get those and leave the City supply for people who are less able to get sandbags elsewhere.

Sandbags can be picked up at Chowchilla City Hall, 130 S Second Street (Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), and the Chowchilla Police Department, 122 Trinity Avenue (Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM to NOON).

Urban Runoff Management Project Summary

The City of Chowchilla has completed a multi-benefit Urban Runoff Management Project to enhance water quality, reduce street flooding, and create greener, more resilient public spaces. The project was primarily located along Sonoma Avenue, with significant improvements centered at Edward Ray Park.

Project Goals

  • Reduce nuisance street flooding in underserved areas.
  • Improve groundwater recharge and water quality.
  • Filter stormwater runoff to remove harmful pollutants.
  • Add green infrastructure to enhance community livability.

Key Infrastructure Improvements

  • Over 6,600 linear feet of new storm drain pipe.
  • A large underground infiltration gallery at Edward Ray Park.
  • New rain gardens with native landscaping and seven new trees.
  • Stormwater inlets, manholes, and trench resurfacing for drainage.
  • Enhanced park landscaping and improved irrigation restoration.

Environmental Benefits

  • Captures and infiltrates an estimated 33 acre-feet of stormwater annually.
  • Helps remove pollutants such as nitrates, oil, grease, heavy metals, and bacteria.
  • Reduces localized flooding and prevents runoff from reaching the Chowchilla Subbasin, the city’s only source of drinking water.
  • Mitigates the urban heat island effect and sequesters carbon.

Community Benefits

  • Beautified and upgraded Edward Ray Park.
  • Increased safety and accessibility in surrounding neighborhoods.
  • Supports climate adaptation and long-term sustainability goals.

Project Funding

  • 95% funded by a Proposition 1 Storm Water Implementation Grant through the California State Water Resources Control Board.
  • Remaining funding provided by the City of Chowchilla.

Project Timeline

  • Construction completed: March 2025
  • Project accepted as complete: April 2025

Photos of the Project:

urban_runoff_image_9urban_runoff_image_7urban_runoff_image_8