| |  | |  | | Flood Facts |
Did You Know
- Floods and flash flood happen in all 50 states
- Homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage
- If you live in a Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) or high risk area, your mortgage lender requires you to have flood insurance. To find out if you are in an SFHA, please click here
- Just an inch of water can cause costly damage to your property
- New land development can increase flood risk, especially if the construction changes natural runoff paths.
- You are eligible to purchase flood insurance as long as your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. The City of Walnut Creek already participates in the NFIP program.
- It takes 30 days after purchase for a policy to take effect, so it's important to buy insurance before the floodwaters start to rise.
- All claims and expenses of the NFIP program are funded by insurance premiums, not tax dollars.
- Read more facts by going to the FloodSmart website.
Source: National Flood Insurance Program website at floodsmart.gov.
Click here for Flood Facts flier (prepared by the City of Walnut Creek's Engineering Division)
Flood Zone Designation
Flooding can happen anytime, anywhere. Knowing your risk profile - whether you live in a low- to moderate or high-risk flood zone - will help you understand your risk of financial loss. Find out your relative risk level of flooding right now online by clicking here. After entering your property information a page will appear that displays:
- Your relative risk level of flooding.
- Links to flood maps, community ratings and FAQS.
- Flood insurance resources.
You may also call the engineer on duty at (925) 943-5839. |
Reporting a Flooding Problem
If you observe flooding in your neighborhood, you can report it to the City by calling (925) 943-5854 weekdays. After hours, call (925) 943-5844.
NEW! Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Requirement
The Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 made the purchase of flood insurance mandatory for Federally-backed mortgages on buildings located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). The rule applies to secured mortgage loans from such financial institutions as commercial lenders, savings and loan associations, saving banks, and credit unions that are regulated, supervised or insured by Federal agencies. Click here for additional information on the Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance.
Flood Insurance Information
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has revised the flood map in the Eccleston Avenue area and approximately 50 houses were removed from the special flood hazard area when the new map was issued on October 4, 2002. The table below illustrates the pricing differences when obtaining a flood insurance coverage prior to the release of the new map.
Cost of Flood Insurance
Estimated Sample Rate Chart
Effective May 1, 2006
| Building (no basements or enclosures) |
| Value |
Insurance Rate |
| $100,000 |
$670 |
| $125,000 |
$770 |
| $150,000 |
$870 |
| $250,000 |
$1,285 |
| Contents (floors above ground level add $80 for contents only policies) |
| Value |
Insurance Rate |
| $20,000 |
$222 |
| $50,000 |
$438 |
| $100,000 |
$798 |
Important:To purchase flood insurance contact you insurance agent. If your insurance agent has questions about flood insurance rates they can call (800) 427-4661.
A Solution to Flooding
Regional flood control improvements are necessary to remove the properties in the Eccleston Avenue area from the flood zone. The Contra Costa County Flood Control District, City of Pleasant Hill and City of Walnut Creek are working together to develop a Multi-Purpose Basins Plan that includes construction of a detention basin and other improvements designed to contain a 100-year flood. Since these flood control measures are only expected to be used during large storm events, public use and recreational elements are an emphasis in the plan. The multi-use basin is an opportunity to restore creeks, link bicycle and hiking trails, construct multi-use recreational facilities and provide flood protection.
Currently there is not sufficient funding for the Multi-Purpose Basins Plan. The Army Corps of Engineers is currently performing a feasibility study to determine if this project meets the benefit to cost analysis to be eligible for Federal funding. Residents play a key role in securing funding for this project by contacting their Federal elected representatives.
If you have any questions regarding this issue, please contact the engineer on duty at (925) 943-5839.
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