About Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District
The Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District provides flood control and urban stormwater services in a 399-square mile watershed located between the Kings and San Joaquin Rivers. The District is home to more than 700,000 people and includes both urban and agricultural land uses. The Fresno/Clovis urban area is protected by 3 dams and seven large detention basins, and is served by a system of more than 700 miles of pipeline and more than 150 stormwater retention basins. Nearly 100 basins are connected to the Fresno Irrigation District canal system to allow for dry season groundwater recharge, producing an annual average of more than 45,000 acre-feet of recharge. In addition, more than 20 stormwater basins are also developed for recreation use.
Capital facilities are funded through local development fees and operations are funded through a limited voter-authorized tax. The District also provides Clean Water Act compliance assistance to businesses and industries that are subject to stormwater-related regulations.
To learn more about the District, read the overview brochure linked here, or view the 9-minute District explainer video (English, Spanish subtitles) featuring system footage, old newspaper articles and video of flooding in the 1960’s, and more.