Flood Study FAQs
What are the main goals of the flood study?
Create a detailed flood model to predict different levels of flooding, from smaller storms to extreme events.
Understand and explain flood risks to local communities and decision-makers.
Identify and recommend solutions to help the watershed, local communities, landowners, and government agencies make informed decisions on the best ways to reduce flood risk.
Why are we doing this flood study now?
In 2022, after repeated home evacuations in Avondale Borough, we worked with community leaders to hear from residents about how flooding impacts their lives and what solutions they wanted to reduce those impacts. While development in the floodplain is a major contributing factor, a detailed flood model is needed to fully understand where and why flooding occurs in Avondale and throughout the White Clay Creek watershed. This model will consider the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme rain events, existing infrastructure limitations, and potential future development.
This study will provide critical information to residents, landowners, and local governments about current and future flood risks. Ultimately, it will help the WCWA and local agencies make informed decisions on how to prioritize solutions that reduce flooding and protect communities.
What is the coverage area of the flood study?
The flood study includes the main stem of the White Clay Creek and key tributaries in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and New Castle County, Delaware.
Who are the funders?
The study will be funded, in part, through grants from the White Clay Watershed Association, National Park Service, Chester County Water Resources Authority, and New Castle County Conservation District.
When will it be complete?
The study is expected to be completed by January 2027.
What are the next steps after it's complete?
Once the study is complete, we will work with communities, elected officials, funders, and government agencies to put its recommendations into action. The goal is to help the watershed and residents in both states prepare for and recover from severe floods. Funding for these efforts will need to be identified and secured.
Who is involved in the study?
This study is being led by Drexel University’s Sustainable Water Resource Engineering Lab in partnership with the White Clay Watershed Association (WCWA). Additional partners include Chester County Water Resources Authority (CCWRA), Stroud Water Resources Center, University of Delaware, and the Brandywine Conservancy. Local municipalities and residents within the study area will also have the opportunity to get involved.
Will the public have a chance to get involved?
Yes. We will host public meetings throughout the flood study process and will update the website regularly with study information and opportunities to engage and provide input.
What will be studied?
The study will examine flood reduction to the main stem and key tributaries of the White Clay Creek from the headwaters in Chester County, PA, down through New Castle Conty, DE. The study will identify chronic flood sites, develop hydrologic and hydraulic watershed models using PCSWMM, a software package that uses the EPA's Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) engine, and is a spatial decision support system for EPA SWMM-based modeling of rural or urban areas. This work will provide a deeper understanding of what contributes to the flooding of the White Clay Creek and what can be done to mitigate those measures.
How will this study transfer to other communities outside of the White Clay Watershed?
This study will provide another example of how to model floods in different watersheds across the region. It will build on lessons from the Brandywine Flood Study and introduce an additional method for flood modeling using PCSWMM and STELLA. Since many watersheds in our region have similar land use, flooding causes, and flood mitigation strategies, the findings of this study—combined with those from the Brandywine Study—could help other communities facing similar challenges.
How can I stay informed about the flood study?
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