Howard Beach Flood Exposure · NYC DEP Separate Storm Sewer Area
Howard Beach, Queens - MS4 Area
Properties here drain through separate storm sewers: rain runs in its own pipes straight to Shellbank and Hawtree Basins, 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 Howard Beach, Queens specifically.
5,067 properties in Howard Beach, Queens drain through separate storm sewers to Shellbank and Hawtree Basins, which open onto Jamaica Bay. Flood Form rates 52% of them Moderate or High for stormwater, 9% for sewer backup, 99% for groundwater, and 99% for coastal flooding. 88% 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 1955. 13% of parcels sit over a historic stream or pond. Their runoff reaches the water through 20 NYC DEP storm sewer outfalls. NYC DEP lists nitrogen as a pollutant of concern in these waters under its MS4 stormwater permit.
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Flood exposure in Howard Beach (Shellbank & Hawtree Basins)
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.
52%
Stormwater exposure: Moderate or High
9%
Sewer Backup exposure: Moderate or High
99%
Groundwater exposure: Moderate or High
99%
Coastal exposure: Moderate or High
What sets Howard Beach (Shellbank & Hawtree Basins) apart
The three figures on which this area differs most from the rest of NYC’s separate storm sewer areas.
99%
Properties with Moderate or High groundwater exposure
The highest of NYC's separate storm sewer areas. A shallow water table sits under more lots here.
99%
Properties with Moderate or High coastal exposure
The highest of NYC's separate storm sewer areas. More lots here are within reach of tides and storm surge.
4 ft
Elevation change from low to high ground
The flattest of NYC's separate storm sewer areas. Level ground, so runoff stays close to where it falls.
Stats computed from Flood Form’s NYC parcel data as of October 28, 2026
Where Howard Beach’s storm sewers drain
The waters NYC DEP maps this area’s storm sewer outfalls to, by number of properties.
3,553
Shellbank Basin
1,514
Hawtree Basin
Common solutions for Howard 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
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
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
Modular Drywell System
An NDS Flo-Well modular drywell system lets water soak into the ground on-site.
Complexity: Moderate · 1–3 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 Howard Beach (Shellbank & Hawtree Basins)
What does it mean that Howard Beach has separate storm sewers?
This part of Howard Beach, 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 Shellbank and Hawtree Basins, which open 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 Howard Beach (Shellbank & Hawtree Basins)?
The most widespread exposure in Howard Beach is groundwater: Flood Form rates 99% of properties Moderate or High for it. The share is 52% for stormwater, 9% for sewer backup and 99% for coastal flooding. These figures describe the whole area, and exposure varies lot by lot within it.
Can properties in Howard Beach (Shellbank & Hawtree Basins) manage stormwater on site?
88% of lots in Howard 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 Howard Beach matter for Shellbank and Hawtree Basins?
Storm sewers here discharge runoff without treatment, so what washes off streets, roofs and yards ends up in Shellbank and Hawtree Basins. NYC DEP lists nitrogen 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 Howard Beach (Shellbank & Hawtree Basins)?
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
- Bergen BasinSt. Albans & South Jamaica41,298 properties · 44% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- Paerdegat BasinCanarsie & Bergen Beach3,164 properties · 57% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- Jamaica Bay & Rockaway InletThe Rockaways11,447 properties · 45% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- Hook Creek & Head of BayRosedale & Springfield Gardens8,449 properties · 39% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- Mill BasinMarine Park & Mill Basin10,396 properties · 56% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure