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City of Madison, Wisconsin

Flooding

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  1. City of Madison
  2. Flooding
  3. Resources
  4. Prepare Your Home: Lake Level Flooding

Prepare Your Home: Lake Level Flooding

Lake Level Flooding From August 2018

Lake level flooding occurs when the entire Yahara chain of lakes system has more water flowing into it than can be moved through it. Lake levels are defined by DNR and implemented by Dane County.

If you sandbagged for lake level flooding in 2018:

  • Have plastic sheeting on hand; stores often run out when the region experiences large-scale flooding
  • Purchase a pump to pump out water that leaks through the sandbag barrier.
  • Create a plan to prevent sanitary sewer backups.
    • Install a backwater valve and do complete maintenance
    • Have a square of rubber sheeting and sandbags.
  • If your basement is older, you are at risk for groundwater flooding.
    • Install a sump pump and backup pump.
    • Fill cracks.
    • Purchase sump pump insurance.
    • Purchase sewer backup insurance.
    • See basement flooding guides.

Resources

  • Prepare Your Home: General Flooding
  • Prepare Your Home: Lake Level Flooding
  • Groundwater Information
  • Prevent Basement Flooding
  • Understanding Flood Insurance
  • FEMA General Information
  • Dealing with a Sanitary Sewer Backup
  • Free Legal Assistance

Report Flooding

Contact Information

City-County Building
210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Madison, WI 53703

  • engineering@cityofmadison.com
  • 608-266-4751

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City of Madison, WI

City-County Building
210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Madison, WI 53703
  • engineering@cityofmadison.com
  • 608-266-4751
  • WI Relay Service

Flood Preparation

  • Report Flooding
  • Prepare Your Home
  • Flood Insurance
  • Current Conditions

Sandbags

  • Sand & Sandbag Locations
  • How to Fill & Place Sandbags
  • Sandbag Disposal

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