Storm Drain Master Plan
The City of San Mateo's storm drain system carries stormwater from streets and neighborhoods out to the San Francisco Bay, and includes pipes, pump stations, creeks, channels, and Marina Lagoon.
In large storms, the system can be overwhelmed and lead to flooding. Most recently, the greater Bay Area was hit by nine atmospheric river events during the 2022-2023 rainy season, and the most significant event of those for the City of San Mateo was the 2022 New Year’s Eve Storm. That storm resulted in widespread flooding throughout the City and highlighted the need for an updated Storm Drain Master Plan, which was most recently published in 2004.
On June 17, 2024, the City awarded a contract to Schaaf & Wheeler Consulting Engineers (Schaaf & Wheeler) to update the Storm Drain Master Plan (SDMP).
The updated SDMP is now near completion following a public review and engagement process, and includes a new hydraulic and hydrologic model. The model incorporates storm drain infrastructure data compiled from existing documents and field inspections, and is calibrated against historic and recent reports of observed flooding.
Please find the most recent draft of the Storm Drain Master Plan in the link, and the accompanying appendices to the Storm Drain Master Plan. Appendix N contains detail sheets for "Very High" priority projects.
Community members are encouraged to review the document and provide comments to Public Works at publicworks@cityofsanmateo.org with the subject “SDMP Comments”.
City staff expect the SDMP to be adopted by Council in Fall 2026.
The Storm Drain Master Plan is organized into the following chapters:
1. Executive Summary
Highlights the SDMP's purpose, key findings, recommendations, priorities, and describes how the community was engaged throughout the development of the SDMP.
2. Introduction
Provides an overview of the SDMP and the City's setting and drainage system, and provides information about known and historical flooding issues.
3. Data
Describes the information collected and used to evaluate the storm drain system.
4. Methodology
Explains how rainfall, runoff, and system performance were modeled and evaluated.
5. Pump Station Condition Assessment
Evaluates the condition of the City's storm drain pump stations and identifies needed improvements.
6. Evaluation of Storm Drain Systems
Evaluates storm drain system performance as it relates to pipes, pump stations, creeks, and identifies deficiencies and recommended improvements.
7. Capital Improvement Program
Presents recommended projects and their associated estimated costs across all stormwater asset categories (pipes, pump stations, and creeks) to reduce flooding, address condition deficiencies, and improve system reliability. Climate change impacts are also evaluated.
8. Funding
Presents the funding and financing strategies that are available to the City to fund capital improvement projects and maintenance program recommendations within the SDMP.
| Historical Flooding Public Comment Map |
|---|
| Help Shape the Future of Stormwater Management! Have you experienced flooding in your neighborhood? The City of San Mateo has launched an interactive historical flooding public comment map where residents can share past flooding experiences. How to Share Your Feedback
Resident input is essential for validating existing storm drain data and identifying areas where improvements may be needed. Resident input will help staff better understand local flooding issues and prioritize future storm drain infrastructure projects. Your support in adding comments to this tool will help ensure the City is aware of real-world conditions and community needs. Staff will reach out for additional details if needed. |
Click this link to get to the Storm and Flood Preparedness Page