Watershed Study Learning Hub

The Engineering Division created the Watershed Study Learning Hub to help answer some of the commonly asked questions from the public. In response to feedback in the Watershed Study process, the Engineering Division Stormwater Watershed Study Team created pages to answer questions about the City’s approach to the Watershed Studies. If you read through the pages, and still have a question, please email engineer@cityofmadison.com

• Definitions
  Learn the terms the City of Madison Engineering Division uses when explaining any part of the process. Read a list of words with definitions to better understand the Study process.
• Watershed Study Process
  Step-by-step we walk you through the different technical parts of progress within a single Watershed Study.
• Public Involvement and Outreach
  Each study has a set number of public meetings and opportunities to engage, collaborate and share information with and from the general public. We want to hear your feedback to use in the studies.
• Conceptual Projects that Come From the Watershed Studies
  Learn what a conceptual project is and all the steps that occur before a project is budgeted, moves into a design phase and is implemented.  
• Project Location Considerations
  Understand what considerations are taken into account when project locations are chosen, including why there are not projects proposed on certain types of land. This is helpful if you are wondering, “why isn’t there a conceptual project planned in X location.”
• Funding Process
  Stormwater infrastructure is very expensive. Each project is carefully planned in construction, which includes funding. We walk through the process of making sure the projects are financially supported.
• Understanding Types of Flooding
  From street flooding, lake level flooding and other flash flooding, understanding why areas flood, and how that happens begins with a little stormwater education. Read and use the Engineering Division's maps, storymaps, videos and more to understand the difference between some of the flooding scenarios.
• Storm Infrastructure Basics
  Gray pipes are not the only option when working toward flooding solutions for a problem area that experiences regular flooding. Learn about how the City uses as many options as it can which may include: ponds, greenways, green infrastructure and more.
• Green Infrastructure/Water Quality/Ecological Information
• Groundwater Impacts
• Property Owner Resources

Stay Connected

There are so many resources! Resources include City Engineering’s Flooding Website, Report Flooding form, Facebook page , and podcast . Many of these locations include a link to sign up for City flooding updates. If you have any other questions, please contact Hannah Mohelnitzky, City Engineering Public Information Officer, hmohelnitzky@cityofmadison.com or 608-669-3560.

Printable Watershed FAQ