College Point & Flushing Flood Exposure · NYC DEP Separate Storm Sewer Area
College Point & Flushing, Queens - MS4 Area
Properties here drain through separate storm sewers: rain runs in its own pipes straight to Flushing Bay and Creek, 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 College Point & Flushing, Queens specifically.
1,104 properties in College Point & Flushing, Queens drain through separate storm sewers to Flushing Bay and Creek. Flood Form rates 32% of them Moderate or High for stormwater, 12% for sewer backup, 23% for groundwater, and 27% for coastal flooding. 78% of lots have yard area that legally qualifies for on-site infiltration. The ground slopes gently down toward the south, from about 54 ft to 12 ft, so runoff from higher blocks drains toward lower ones. The median building dates to 1958. 9% of parcels sit over a historic stream or pond. Their runoff reaches the water through 14 NYC DEP storm sewer outfalls. NYC DEP lists floatables and nitrogen as pollutants of concern in these waters under its MS4 stormwater permit.
See where your property stands
Free. Takes about 60 seconds.
Flood exposure in College Point & Flushing (Flushing Bay & Creek)
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.
32%
Stormwater exposure: Moderate or High
12%
Sewer Backup exposure: Moderate or High
23%
Groundwater exposure: Moderate or High
27%
Coastal exposure: Moderate or High
What sets College Point & Flushing (Flushing Bay & Creek) apart
The three figures on which this area differs most from the rest of NYC’s separate storm sewer areas.
77.6%
Legally eligible for on-site infiltration
Lower than 90% of NYC's separate storm sewer areas. Few yards can legally infiltrate, so holding runoff matters more.
35 ft
Median ground elevation
Higher than 83% of NYC's separate storm sewer areas. High ground, where runoff drains away downhill.
12%
Properties with Moderate or High sewer backup exposure
Lower than 80% of NYC's separate storm sewer areas. Few lots have the records or basements that point to backups.
Stats computed from Flood Form’s NYC parcel data as of October 28, 2026
Where College Point & Flushing’s storm sewers drain
The waters NYC DEP maps this area’s storm sewer outfalls to, by number of properties.
1,055
Flushing Creek
41
Flushing Creek/Bay
8
Bowery Bay
Common solutions for College Point & Flushing 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
Area Drain
A yard area drain — a surface inlet at the lowest point in the yard — provides a direct outlet for stormwater that pools on the site.
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
Window Well
A lined enclosure around a below-grade basement window holds back soil and keeps surface water off the glass.
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.
Free. Takes about 60 seconds.
Questions about flooding in College Point & Flushing (Flushing Bay & Creek)
What does it mean that College Point & Flushing has separate storm sewers?
This part of College Point & Flushing, Queens 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 Flushing Bay and Creek, 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 College Point & Flushing (Flushing Bay & Creek)?
The most widespread exposure in College Point & Flushing is stormwater: Flood Form rates 32% of properties Moderate or High for it. The share is 12% for sewer backup, 23% for groundwater and 27% for coastal flooding. These figures describe the whole area, and exposure varies lot by lot within it.
Can properties in College Point & Flushing (Flushing Bay & Creek) manage stormwater on site?
78% of lots in College Point & Flushing 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 College Point & Flushing matter for Flushing Bay and Creek?
Storm sewers here discharge runoff without treatment, so what washes off streets, roofs and yards ends up in Flushing Bay and Creek. NYC DEP lists floatables and nitrogen as pollutants 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 College Point & Flushing (Flushing Bay & Creek)?
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
- East River & Long Island SoundWhitestone & College Point4,510 properties · 25% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- Little Neck BayBayside & Little Neck6,801 properties · 24% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- Newtown CreekMaspeth & East Williamsburg579 properties · 53% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- Long Island Sound & Eastchester BayPelham Bay & City Island2,071 properties · 33% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- Bergen BasinSt. Albans & South Jamaica41,298 properties · 44% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- Shellbank & Hawtree BasinsHoward Beach5,067 properties · 52% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure