Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District Stormwater Basin System
Oso de Oro Lake Park (Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District)
Project Description
In semi-arid Fresno, preserving water resources is critical. The Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District Stormwater Basin System collects rainwater that once caused flooding. The District’s Stormwater Basin System recharges the groundwater aquifer, while also providing additional green space and places for rest and recreation.
Rainwater flows from gutters to more than 700 miles of underground pipelines. It is safely delivered to a network of more than 150 basins which function like reservoirs, ranging in size from about six to 40 acres. The basins are also designed for recreational use, primarily during the summer months, when they are not doing their main job of collecting and storing rainwater. This innovative multiple use of public facilities adds 250 acres of open space to a community in need of more outdoor recreation opportunities.
A recent study by the California Stormwater Quality Association quantifies the community benefits from the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District’s Stormwater Basin System. For every dollar spent to include community benefits in their basins, the community receives two dollars in benefits each year.
Techniques Used
Ponding basins
Pipelines
Dams
Rain Ready Benefits
Recharged groundwater supply and replenished wells
Enhanced recreation opportunities and additional park space
Restoration of wetlands
Enhanced community health
Protection from flooding for people and property
Case Studies
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![County of LA’s Safe Clean Water Program]()
County of LA’s Safe Clean Water Program
This one-of-a-kind program invests approximately $280 million annually into multi-benefit rainwater collection projects and programs.
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![Earvin Magic Johnson Park]()
Earvin Magic Johnson Park
The rainwater collection system at this popular park collects up to 85% of the water that was flowing away and brings community health benefits to a disadvantaged area.
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![East Los Angeles Sustainable Median Stormwater Capture Project]()
East Los Angeles Sustainable Median Stormwater Capture Project
The project collects more rainwater, while also adding much-needed greenspace to a couple of parched and barren medians in East Los Angeles.
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![San Mateo County Sustainable Streets Master Plan]()
San Mateo County Sustainable Streets Master Plan
The Plan includes multi-benefit projects designed to improve street conditions for walkability, cycling, urban greening, climate resiliency and water quality.
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![Orange Memorial Park, South San Francisco]()
Orange Memorial Park, South San Francisco
The park is the site of an underground rainwater collection project that will return as much as 78 million gallons of water to the groundwater basin each year, while providing renovated athletic fields for the community.
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![Elk Grove Rain Garden Plaza]()
Elk Grove Rain Garden Plaza
This one-acre site incorporates a wetland, surrounded by swales and native plants/trees, a large rain garden, examples of pervious paving material and rain barrels and rain chains.
