Flooding
A flood risk reduction project for Brush Creek along 68th Street in Prairie Village
Flooding in Johnson County is an ongoing risk to our community that will only become more dangerous due to changing rainfall patterns as a result of human-caused climate change.
The Stormwater Management Program addresses flooding issues throughout the county by funding flood risk reduction projects that remove habitable buildings from the floodplain and minimize the potential for flooding of streets and vital infrastructure.
Flood risk reduction is prioritized based on watershed needs and multi-beneficial needs such as: stabilizing stream channels, reducing hydromodification (altering natural water flow), improving water quality and replacing stormwater system assets.
Flood Risk Reduction Projects
A flood risk reduction project in Prairie Village raised Mission Road by nearly five feet and built new retaining walls and sidewalks.
The Stormwater Management Program works with cities within the county to fund projects that reduce the risk of flooding. Since the program's creation in 1998, it has provided more than $180 million to help fund 160+ projects. This has led to the continued protection of property and infrastructure, while also allowing our communities to grow with good stormwater practices.
Cities & SMAC Partners Only: Apply online for Stormwater Management Program funding for a Preliminary Project Study or Flood Risk Reduction Project by following the detailed step-by-step submission instructions.
Home Buyout Program
The goal of the Home Buyout Program is to minimize risk of future flood damages and to make the County more resilient through the proactive purchasing and removal of homes from the floodplain and known flooding areas.
Current development standards ensure new homes are not build in the floodplain. However, areas of the County were developed prior to these standards, and thus many homes in the County are still at risk for property damage or loss.
The Voluntary Home Buyout Program works as a partnership between the Stormwater Management Program and cities to purchase flood-prone homes as a means to mitigate flood risk from properties.
Flood Warning System (Stormwatch)
Flood warning sensor site on Indian Creek that includes stream and rain gauges
One of the county's most valuable emergency management tools is the Flood Warning System, also known as "Stormwatch." Currently, Johnson County, in partnership with the City of Overland Park, maintains more than 100 flood warning sites across the county. These sites provide real-time data on precipitation, road temperature, stream height and other flood warning metrics.
The City of Overland Park created Stormwatch in 1990 and spearheaded the push at the local level to monitor flooding. The Stormwater Management Program now funds and owns the flood warning system in partnership with Overland Park to maintain the system. Because of this partnership between the county and city, the public is safer and more informed with the assistance of up-to-date technology and communications on flooding.
Remember this important adage: "Turn Around, Don't Drown."
Questions?
If you reside within city limits, please reach out to your city's Stormwater or Public Works department with any questions or concerns.
For questions or concerns in the unincorporated area, please call the Public Works front desk at 913-715-8300 or submit a Request for Service.
If you have any other questions about the Johnson County Stormwater Management Program, please contact staff at pwk-stormwater@jocogov.org or 913-715-8300.