Canarsie & Bergen Beach Flood Exposure · NYC DEP Separate Storm Sewer Area
Canarsie & Bergen Beach, Brooklyn - MS4 Area
Properties here drain through separate storm sewers: rain runs in its own pipes straight to Paerdegat Basin, apart from the sewage. When a storm drops rain faster than the catch basins can take it in, the water collects on streets and low lots instead. Here’s what that looks like for Canarsie & Bergen Beach, Brooklyn specifically.
3,164 properties in Canarsie & Bergen Beach, Brooklyn drain through separate storm sewers to Paerdegat Basin, which opens onto Jamaica Bay. Flood Form rates 57% of them Moderate or High for stormwater, 30% for sewer backup, 89% for groundwater, and 78% for coastal flooding. 98% of lots have yard area that legally qualifies for on-site infiltration. The ground is fairly level here, typically about 9 ft. The median building dates to 1960. 4% of parcels sit over a historic stream or pond. Their runoff reaches the water through 6 NYC DEP storm sewer outfalls. NYC DEP lists floatables as a pollutant of concern in these waters under its MS4 stormwater permit.
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Flood exposure in Canarsie & Bergen Beach (Paerdegat Basin)
The share of properties Flood Form rates Moderate or High for each type of flooding, on the same Minimal to High scale as an individual report.
57%
Stormwater exposure: Moderate or High
30%
Sewer Backup exposure: Moderate or High
89%
Groundwater exposure: Moderate or High
78%
Coastal exposure: Moderate or High
What sets Canarsie & Bergen Beach (Paerdegat Basin) apart
The three figures on which this area differs most from the rest of NYC’s separate storm sewer areas.
98.2%
Legally eligible for on-site infiltration
The highest of NYC's separate storm sewer areas. More yards here have room to soak stormwater in.
6 ft
Elevation change from low to high ground
Flatter than 95% of NYC's separate storm sewer areas. Level ground, so runoff stays close to where it falls.
30%
Properties with Moderate or High sewer backup exposure
Higher than 95% of NYC's separate storm sewer areas. Sewer backups are on record or likely for more lots here.
Stats computed from Flood Form’s NYC parcel data as of October 28, 2026
Common solutions for Canarsie & Bergen Beach properties
The measures that most often suit conditions here. An individual Flood Form picks the exact set for one lot. See all flood prevention solutions.
Downspout Diversion
Redirect roof downspouts away from the sewer system toward permeable yard areas, planters, or a rain barrel.
Complexity: Low · 1–4 weeks
Modular Drywell System
An NDS Flo-Well modular drywell system lets water soak into the ground on-site.
Complexity: Moderate · 1–3 weeks
Rain Garden
A shallow planted depression that collects runoff from roofs and paved areas and lets it soak into the ground over a day or two.
Complexity: Low · 1–3 weeks
Foundation Waterproofing
Exterior membrane waterproofing, interior footing drains, or crystalline waterproofing compounds address hydrostatic pressure against the foundation, depending on construction type.
Complexity: High · 3–6 months
Sump Pump
A sump pump with battery backup actively removes water that accumulates in below-grade spaces during groundwater rise or sewer surcharge events.
Complexity: Low · 1–4 weeks
Raised Threshold
Raising a doorway threshold with a concrete step or raised sill keeps shallow surface water from entering at ground-level and below-grade doors.
Complexity: Low · 1–2 weeks
Which of these fit your lot?
Your Flood Form rates your property’s exposure and recommends the measures suited to it.
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Questions about flooding in Canarsie & Bergen Beach (Paerdegat Basin)
What does it mean that Canarsie & Bergen Beach has separate storm sewers?
This part of Canarsie & Bergen Beach, Brooklyn is served by a separate storm sewer system, which NYC DEP calls an MS4. Catch basins and roof drains carry rain in their own pipes straight to Paerdegat Basin, which opens onto Jamaica Bay, while wastewater flows in another pipe to a treatment plant. Because rain doesn't share a pipe with sewage here, a storm is less likely to push sewage back into basements than in combined-sewer neighborhoods, though a blocked or undersized house sewer line can still back up. Flooding here mostly comes from runoff the storm drains can't take in fast enough, and from groundwater and tides.
How exposed to flooding is Canarsie & Bergen Beach (Paerdegat Basin)?
The most widespread exposure in Canarsie & Bergen Beach is groundwater: Flood Form rates 89% of properties Moderate or High for it. The share is 57% for stormwater, 30% for sewer backup and 78% for coastal flooding. These figures describe the whole area, and exposure varies lot by lot within it.
Can properties in Canarsie & Bergen Beach (Paerdegat Basin) manage stormwater on site?
98% of lots in Canarsie & Bergen Beach have yard area that legally qualifies for on-site infiltration, such as a drywell or rain garden. A lot without that room can still hold runoff with a detention tank or a blue roof.
Why does runoff from Canarsie & Bergen Beach matter for Paerdegat Basin?
Storm sewers here discharge runoff without treatment, so what washes off streets, roofs and yards ends up in Paerdegat Basin. NYC DEP lists floatables as a pollutant of concern in these waters under its MS4 stormwater permit. Holding roof runoff on site with a rain garden, drywell, or detention tank cuts flooding on the property and what reaches the water.
How do I check one property in Canarsie & Bergen Beach (Paerdegat Basin)?
Enter the address on this page to get its free Flood Form. The report rates that property for stormwater, sewer backup, groundwater, and coastal flooding, and recommends measures suited to the lot.
Nearby separate storm sewer areas
- Fresh Creek & Hendrix CreekEast Canarsie & Starrett City5,116 properties · 48% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- Mill BasinMarine Park & Mill Basin10,396 properties · 56% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- Sheepshead Bay & Gerritsen CreekSheepshead Bay & Madison19,430 properties · 57% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- Shellbank & Hawtree BasinsHoward Beach5,067 properties · 52% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- Coney Island Creek & Gravesend BayConey Island & Gravesend7,412 properties · 62% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- Jamaica Bay & Rockaway InletThe Rockaways11,447 properties · 45% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure