Sewershed NR-038 · NYC DEP Combined Sewer Overflow Tributary Area
NR-038 - Upper West Side, Manhattan
Properties in this area share the NR-038 combined sewer — during moderate-to-heavy rain, runoff can exceed pipe capacity faster than it drains, which is what drives sewer backup exposure block by block. Here’s what that looks like for Upper West Side, Manhattan specifically.
NR-038 is a combined sewer area covering 1,521 properties in Upper West Side, Manhattan. Flood Form rates 35% of them Moderate or High for stormwater exposure, and 29% for groundwater. 73% of lots have yard area that legally qualifies for on-site infiltration. Ground elevation is typically 83 ft. The median building dates to 1895. 40% of parcels sit over a historic stream or pond. According to NYC DEP green infrastructure records, this sewershed drains to East River / Open Waters. NYC DEP has built 1 green infrastructure asset here.
1,521
Properties in sewershed
72.5%
Legally eligible for on-site infiltration
35%
Stormwater exposure: Moderate or High
29%
Groundwater exposure: Moderate or High
What sets NR-038 apart
83 ft
Median ground elevation
94%
Average impervious cover per lot
1895
Median year built
40%
Properties over a historic stream or pond
Stats computed from Flood Form’s NYC parcel data as of October 9, 2026
Common solutions for Upper West Side properties
Downspout Diversion
Redirects roof runoff away from the combined sewer and into landscaped or permeable areas on the lot.
Infiltration System
Drywells or infiltration chambers that let stormwater soak into the ground on-site instead of entering the sewer.
Detention System
Holds stormwater temporarily and releases it slowly, reducing peak flow into the combined sewer during a storm.
Drain Improvement
Upgrades yard, area, or foundation drains so water is carried away from the building instead of pooling.
Foundation Waterproofing
Protects the foundation from groundwater intrusion, relevant where groundwater exposure runs high.
Nearby sewersheds
- NR-037Upper West Side1,487 properties · 31% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- NR-040Manhattan Valley1,080 properties · 33% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- NR-041Morningside Heights207 properties · 39% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- WI-008Upper East Side1,184 properties · 31% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- WI-015Yorkville220 properties · 30% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
- WI-003Lenox Hill1,428 properties · 55% with Moderate or High stormwater exposure
Want to see where your specific property stands?
Get Your Property’s Flood Form