Queen Creek / East Mesa Area Drainage Master Study and Plan Update

The flood hazard map completed during the study will not formally affect your property. The study results, including the map, are tools that the governing jurisdiction such as a city or town can use. They can decide to use it to update local regulations, plan for new development or build flood control infrastructure. Formal flood delineations can be requested by the local jurisdiction but are not a part of this current study.

Formal flood delineations can be requested by the local jurisdiction but are not a part of this current study. If homeowners have a federally backed mortgage for a property in a FEMA-designated floodplain, the mortgage lender may require flood insurance. Homeowners can check to see if their property is in a floodplain on the Flood Control District’s floodplain viewer. The results of this study will not directly affect current insurance rates, but local jurisdictions could request more formal actions, such as a floodplain delineation study.

The results of this study will suggest projects for the local jurisdictions to consider adding to their own Capital Improvement Program or submitting to the Flood Control District for partnership.

The study will be completed in late 2027. Residents can stay up to date on study milestones by subscribing to the email list.

The study team is accepting historical information about flooding for model validation. Members of the public can submit that information on the project webpage.

The results of this study can be used by local jurisdictions to inform future development in the area. There are no official actions directly taken by just the completion of the study.

Staff during an Area Drainage Master Study use a variety of data and technologies to assess flood risks and develop effective flood management strategies.

Types of Data Collected:

• Topographic Data: Detailed elevation data to understand the terrain and how water flows across the landscape.
• Hydrologic Data: Information on rainfall patterns, runoff rates, and historical flood events to model how water behaves in different conditions.
• Hydraulic Data: Data on water flow and storage capacities of existing drainage systems, rivers, and other water bodies.
• Land Use and Development Data: Information on current and planned land use, zoning, and infrastructure which can affect flood risks.
• Flood Hazard Mapping: Detailed maps showing current floodplain boundaries and identifying areas at risk of flooding based on various scenarios.
• Soil Data: Information on soil types and their permeability, which affects how water is absorbed and flows through the ground.
• Existing Infrastructure: Data on current flood control infrastructure like levees, drainage systems, and detention basins.

• LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): LiDAR technology provides highly accurate topographic data by using laser scanning from aircraft or ground-based systems. This technology helps create detailed 3D models of the terrain, which are crucial for understanding flood risk and water flow patterns.
• Drones: Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras or LiDAR sensors can capture detailed aerial imagery and topographic data. They are particularly useful for surveying areas that are difficult to access or require frequent updates.
• Remote Sensing: Satellite imagery and aerial photography are used to gather data on land use, vegetation, and changes in the landscape over time. This information helps in updating flood hazard maps and understanding changes in flood risk.
• Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modeling Software: Advanced software is used to simulate flood scenarios, model water flow, and assess the effectiveness of potential flood mitigation measures. These models are based on the collected data and help predict how different factors will affect flood risks.
• Real-Time Data Collection: Sensors and monitoring stations can provide real-time data on rainfall, water levels, and flow rates. This information is valuable for updating models and responding to emerging flood conditions.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS): GIS technology integrates various types of spatial data, allowing for detailed analysis and visualization of flood hazards, infrastructure, and land use. It helps in creating comprehensive maps and conducting spatial analysis.
• Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modeling Software: Advanced software (FLO-2D) is used to simulate flood scenarios.