With the recent rains, many areas of Indianapolis are experiencing high water levels and flooding. It is important to stay on top of road closures and away from areas where flooding may occur quickly. Fortunately, residents of Indianapolis and Marion County have several options to view live and predictive data through the National Weather Prediction Service and the Trafficwise Map.
A relatively new website by the National Weather Prediction Service displays an experimental flood inundation layer. Turn on the “Inundation” layer to view the blue shaded areas around rivers that are expected to flood. In the “Guidance Options” you can view the latest analysis or maximum forecast.
Users can click on the large squares to view a trend graph for US Geological Survey (USGS) river gauges. These graphs show predictions of water levels at the gauge. The USGS monitors gauges around the country. This website can be helpful regardless of where you are located in the US.
To view official and best available floodplain maps to explore areas prone to flooding, use the Indiana Floodplain Information Portal maintained by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Checking Road Closures
If you are traveling in areas along rivers, it is critical to check road status. The Trafficwise map shows important alerts happening around the city. In addition to the flood layer, users can view road closures, snow plow cameras and general weather alerts.
Does flooding impact water quality?
While securing your home and planning your travel may be top of mind, protecting water quality is also important during times of flood and high rainfall. With high water comes a greater potential for chemical contamination that may not be stored properly. Before flooding hits, home and business owners can take stock of how chemicals are stored and ensure they are kept or moved to areas above the expected water line. Whether you are on a public or private water system, these actions are important for both you and your neighbors.
Keeping storm drains clean is an important step to protecting water quality, but also in helping to reduce high waters. With the increase in the amount of water comes the potential for more debris and more chemicals to be picked up while traveling to the storm drains. Starting off a high rain event with clear storm drains is a plus for your neighborhood. In Indianapolis, homeowners are responsible for keeping storms drains on their property clean. Remember: “Only rain in the drain!”
If you are on a private well, there are a number of preventative actions as well as post-flood testing that should be done. The Vermont Department of Health provides a good outline on what components of your well system to check after a flood and steps you can take before flooding occurs.
If you are on a public water system and any part of your property over the water lines was flooded, it is a good precaution to flush your service line and plumbing, including refilling your water heater. Be sure to check with your water provider for any water notices or boil alerts.
Keeping track of the flood conditions in your neighborhood is important, but regardless of your status, whether you are a business or individual, on a private well or public water system, you can work every day to keep our essential surface and groundwater resources clean.
