Plans and Studies
All District projects begin with studies to understand how stormwater moves through creeks and channels, where flooding risks are greatest, and the potential impacts if no improvements are made for local communities. These findings inform a detailed plan that recommends improvements and helps prioritize work based on feasibility and community benefit. View the published reports below to learn more about the District’s planning and prioritization of critical flood control projects.
Note that the District often revises these reports based on the latest technical data available. If you have questions, please reach out to the District at info@acpwa.org.
San Lorenzo Creek Floodplain Technical Memo
March 2025
The District conducted a restudy of the San Lorenzo Creek floodplain, including the Don Castro Dam Reservoir. Using updated data and modeling methods, the District developed a new floodplain model from the drainage area. As extreme storms become more frequent, this analysis better reflects current flood risk.
Coastal and Riverine Flood Assessment (Zones 2, 4, and 9)
January 2025
The District studied the flood risks associated with extreme storms combined with high tide conditions. The District then evaluated projects to reduce flood risk in channels as they flow into the Bay. The alternatives evaluated through this effort helped inform the project list used for the benefit assessment.
Zone 9 Pump Station Report
February 2019
In 2019, the Flood Control District completed a comprehensive assessment of the condition of its older pump stations, five of which are located in San Leandro. If funding becomes available, the District can repair, upgrade or replace aging and undersized pump engines, pipes, and other equipment.
San Leandro Creek Trail Master Plan
March 2017
The District participated in a collaboration with the public and many partnering agencies to complete the San Leandro Creek Trail Master Plan Study, including the City of San Leandro, City of Oakland, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, East Bay Regional Park District, Merritt College, National Park Service, Friends of San Leandro Creek, and BART.
The goals of this study were to develop a plan for creating a new trail and recreational area; to improve water quality in the creek; to provide vital habitat to wildlife; and to protect areas of historical, cultural, and ecological significance. Implementation will move forward as partner agencies identify funding and next steps.
Alameda Creek Watershed Historical Study
February, 2013
The Alameda Creek Watershed Historical Ecology Study, published in February 2013, was funded by the District and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. The purpose of the study was to document how the San Francisco Bay’s largest tributary watershed (about 700 square miles) has changed over time from a landscape of hills and wetlands to the densely populated urban region we see today. Hundreds of historical maps, photographs, and documents, alongside current scientific data, were used to create a map-based database to visualize past conditions and support future planning.
The District uses this historical information to help improve habitats and manage flood control channels more naturally and sustainably. Using data from the study, the District can better understand how water historically moved through the Alameda Creek Watershed, which enables us to make science-backed decisions to improve eco-system health and guide our long-term flood protection efforts.