Maspeth & East Williamsburg Flood Exposure · NYC DEP Separate Storm Sewer Area
Maspeth & East Williamsburg, Brooklyn - MS4 Area
Properties here drain through separate storm sewers: rain runs in its own pipes straight to Newtown 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 Maspeth & East Williamsburg, Brooklyn specifically.
579 properties in Maspeth & East Williamsburg, Brooklyn drain through separate storm sewers to Newtown Creek. Flood Form rates 53% of them Moderate or High for stormwater, 18% for sewer backup, 66% for groundwater, and 37% for coastal flooding. 49% of lots have yard area that legally qualifies for on-site infiltration. The ground slopes gently down toward the west, from about 42 ft to 9 ft, so runoff from higher blocks drains toward lower ones. The median building dates to 1953. 65% of parcels sit over a historic stream or pond. Their runoff reaches the water through 13 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 Maspeth & East Williamsburg (Newtown 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.
53%
Stormwater exposure: Moderate or High
18%
Sewer Backup exposure: Moderate or High
66%
Groundwater exposure: Moderate or High
37%
Coastal exposure: Moderate or High
What sets Maspeth & East Williamsburg (Newtown Creek) apart
The three figures on which this area differs most from the rest of NYC’s separate storm sewer areas.
92%
Average impervious cover per lot
The highest of NYC's separate storm sewer areas. More paved and built-over ground, so more rain becomes runoff.
48.9%
Legally eligible for on-site infiltration
The lowest of NYC's separate storm sewer areas. Few yards can legally infiltrate, so holding runoff matters more.
65%
Properties over a historic stream or pond
The highest of NYC's separate storm sewer areas. Buried waterways still steer groundwater under these blocks.
Stats computed from Flood Form’s NYC parcel data as of October 28, 2026
Where Maspeth & East Williamsburg’s storm sewers drain
The waters NYC DEP maps this area’s storm sewer outfalls to, by number of properties.
302
Newtown Creek
157
English Kills
120
Newtown Creek and Tidal Tributaries
Common solutions for Maspeth & East Williamsburg 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
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
Modular Drywell System
An NDS Flo-Well modular drywell system lets water soak into the ground on-site.
Complexity: Moderate · 1–3 weeks
Detention System
A detention cistern or underground storage tank temporarily holds stormwater runoff and releases it slowly after storm peaks subside.
Complexity: High · 3–6 months
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 Maspeth & East Williamsburg (Newtown Creek)
What does it mean that Maspeth & East Williamsburg has separate storm sewers?
This part of Maspeth & East Williamsburg, 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 Newtown 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 Maspeth & East Williamsburg (Newtown Creek)?
The most widespread exposure in Maspeth & East Williamsburg is groundwater: Flood Form rates 66% of properties Moderate or High for it. The share is 53% for stormwater, 18% for sewer backup and 37% for coastal flooding. These figures describe the whole area, and exposure varies lot by lot within it.
Can properties in Maspeth & East Williamsburg (Newtown Creek) manage stormwater on site?
49% of lots in Maspeth & East Williamsburg 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 Maspeth & East Williamsburg matter for Newtown Creek?
Storm sewers here discharge runoff without treatment, so what washes off streets, roofs and yards ends up in Newtown Creek. 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 Maspeth & East Williamsburg (Newtown 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
- Flushing Bay & CreekCollege Point & Flushing1,104 properties · 32% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- Fresh Creek & Hendrix CreekEast Canarsie & Starrett City5,116 properties · 48% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- Paerdegat BasinCanarsie & Bergen Beach3,164 properties · 57% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- Shellbank & Hawtree BasinsHoward Beach5,067 properties · 52% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- Mill BasinMarine Park & Mill Basin10,396 properties · 56% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- East River & Long Island SoundWhitestone & College Point4,510 properties · 25% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure