The Stormwater Operations Division provides the following services and programs to all citizens and business districts of Dallas. Please see the listings below.

Floodplain Management

Floodplain Management provides studies and mapping to both public and private developments to ensure that all development within the floodplain is designed to reduce the risk of flooding. It prohibits development in areas that are prone to flooding unless all applicable City, State and Federal floodplain-related permits are issued. It encourages the preservation of natural streams and green space and prohibits development in areas that are prone to flood, as required by state law, unless an acceptable floodplain permit is issued. By regulating the floodplain and participating in the FEMA Community Rating System program, Dallas property owners located within floodplain areas qualify for a 35% discount on their flood insurance. Please speak to your insurance agent or FEMA to learn more about the discount and how it might apply to your insurance policy. Additionally, this division is responsible for the planning and preliminary design of projects that are placed on the needs inventory for future capital program funding.

Flood Con​trol and City-Wide Interior Drainage 

Flood protection is the primary service provided by the Flood Control Division and is provided through the maintenance and operation of the Dallas Floodway Project consisting of pump stations, pressure sewers, levees, flood walls, drainage/closure structures, channels, floodway and miscellaneous facilities. Maintenance of the Dallas Floodway System must be performed according to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) regulations. Other duties include maintenance of the Flooded Roadway Warning System (FRWS), flood gauge sites, and retention/detention basins.

The Neighborhood Drainage Services section maintains city-owned creeks, channels, and floodway management areas, including, but not limited to, the removal of blockages on city-owned creeks/channels (except creeks and channels located in Parks) and storm sewers. The section also responds to inclement weather emergencies such as snow/ice, windstorms, and street flooding. 

Forestry and Habitat Management 

The City of Dallas has a vast urban forest, including the approximately 6,000-acre Great Trinity Forest. City staff maintain existing trees, plant new trees, and provide trees for residents to plant in their yards or along their streets. The Forestry team consists of staff from multiple departments who focus on preserving, increasing and managing public natural resources, including but not limited to trees, native prairies and wildflower areas, wetlands and the Great Trinity Forest. 

The Forestry and Habitat team, a part of the Neighborhood Drainage Services section, are the technical experts for natural resources on Water Utilities property, focusing on preserving, increasing, and managing public natural resources, including trees, native prairies and wildflower areas, wetlands, and the Great Trinity Forest, while also providing that expertise to all city departments.  The team also manages multiple city-wide programs, including but not limited to the Public Tree Inventory, Alternative Vegetation Management (using goats and sheep), feral hog trapping and the annual tree giveaway Branch Out Dallas that takes place the first Saturday of November.

Explore the Trinity River Corridor Project 

The Trinity River Corridor Project is the most complex and largest urban development effort undertaken by the City of Dallas. This multi-generational project provides critical flood protection, transportation improvements, recreational amenities, environmental restoration/preservation, and economic development for the Trinity River Corridor, covering 20 miles or 10,000 acres. The project will be implemented according to the Trinity River Corridor Project's  Balanced Vision Plan. For more information, visit www.trinityrivercorridor.com. ​You may send questions or comments to [email protected]. 

Dallas City Hall
1500 Marilla, Room 4A North  
Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: 214-670-3146

Eduardo Valerio
Assistant Director, Stormwater Operations