History of the District

Many people don't realize that much of Alameda County is in a flood plain. In fact, until the 1950s and '60s, significant portions of the county were subjected to repeated flooding intense enough to close businesses and schools, interrupt transportation and utility services, and even take lives.

The Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District was created by the State Legislature in 1949 at the request of county residents. The District's first step was to design and construct flood control infrastructure assuming full build-out of the county. Cities and unincorporated areas, grouped by "zones" corresponding to area watersheds and community boundaries, joined the Flood Control District to gain protection from devastating floods.

Today, the District's flood control infrastructure — a system of pump stations, erosion control structures, and hundreds of miles of pipeline, channels and creeks — protects nine zones stretching from Emeryville to Fremont (map). Work continues to upgrade or replace aging equipment, keep flood control channels clear of silt and debris, and evaluate impacts of new developments on the county-wide system.

In the 1980s, the District responded to a nationwide call to clean up surface water bodies with the creation of the Clean Water Program, which leads 17 city and regional agencies in improving the quality of storm water discharge. The District takes pride in its work on the Clean Water Program.

Thanks to the work of the Flood Control District, former flood plains are now prime real estate for housing and Bay Area businesses.

For more information on the the leaders who helped make the Alameda County Flood Control District what it is today, please visit the Hall of Fame.