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Water Levels and Flood Control
The lagoon water level is regulated on a seasonal basis to optimize flood control, recreation, aesthetics, and ecological benefits. During the winter the water level is lowered to provide a receiving basin for stormwater runoff as protection from lowland flooding. The summer water level provides optimal conditions for swimming, boating, and other recreational uses. The water level is controlled using the O’Neill Slough intake gates on the lagoon's south end and the Marina Lagoon Pump Station on the north end. The Pump Station's pumping capability, in combination with the winter operating level of 94.9 feet, provides the capacity for a 100-year storm event.
In the spring of 2019, San Mateo Public Works performed routine maintenance on the pump station, and re-installed it ensuring its longevity. You can watch this video of the pump station being re-installed.
Marina Lagoon Operating Levels
| Period | Level Adjustment |
Elevation (ft)* |
Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1 – October 31 | ----- | 96.9 |
Summer operating level |
| November 1- November 30 | -1 ft. | 95.9 | Preparing for winter rains |
| December 1 - January 14 | -1 ft. | 94.9 | Winter operating level |
| January 15 - February 15 | -1.5 ft. | 93.4 | Dock maintenance period |
| February 16 - April 14 | +1.5 ft. | 94.9 | Winter operating level |
| April 15 - April 30 |
+ 1 ft. | 95.9 | Spring intermediate level |
| May 1 - October 31 | + 1 ft. | 96.9 | Summer operating level |
The pumps at the Marina Lagoon Station are set to start and stop based on the water level in the lagoon. Residents can read the water level elevation through the gauge outside of the pump station. The settings for the pump start/stop elevations are shown below. With storage in the lagoon (from 95’ to 97.3’) and five pumps in service, the system has the capacity to handle the 100 year storm event.