The City of San Diego’s Stormwater Department has completed several weeks of storm channel maintenance in the Sorrento Valley area, removing debris, invasive vegetation and trash. Maintaining stormwater infrastructure is critical to reducing flood risk, especially with a strong El Niño in the forecast.

Sorrento Valley is among the areas of the City at elevated risk of flooding during rain events. The maintenance work helps ensure channels can more effectively convey stormwater during the upcoming rainy season.

“We will continue doing everything we can to reduce flood risk and keep San Diegans safe,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “My administration is carrying out a citywide plan to maintain 67 channel segments covering more than 20 miles this fiscal year, including this important work in Sorrento Valley. I am grateful to our Stormwater crews for clearing debris, vegetation and trash so these channels can function as designed and better protect homes, businesses and roadways. This is the essential infrastructure work San Diegans expect from their City and how we Stay Ready, San Diego.”

The Stormwater Department plans to maintain 67 channel segments, totaling 20.3 miles of channels, during fiscal year 2027. Since the start of the fiscal year, the City has maintained 35 channel segments, totaling approximately 9.65 miles.

“District 1's Sorrento Valley is a major employment center and transportation hub. The City's work to clear stormwater channels of debris and vegetation will minimize impact on businesses, employees, and commuters from the predicted super El Nino,” said Council President Joe La Cava. “I appreciate Stormwater Department crews who have worked overtime to protect District 1 and every community across the city.”

The work in Sorrento Valley follows months of channel maintenance in the Chollas Creek watershed. City crews cleared channels in neighborhoods impacted by the historic January 2024 floods. These efforts are part of the City’s ongoing commitment to maintaining critical stormwater infrastructure throughout San Diego and preparing vulnerable communities for future storms.

Stormwater channel maintenance is conducted year-round and is an important part of the City's flood-prevention efforts. By removing sediment, vegetation and illegally dumped material, crews help maintain channel capacity and reduce the likelihood of blockages that can contribute to flooding during heavy rainfall.

“Maintaining our storm channels is one of the most important things we can do to help reduce flood risk before the rainy season begins,” said Stormwater Department Director Todd Snyder. “Our crews have spent months removing debris and invasive vegetation from channels across the city. This proactive work helps keep stormwater flowing during major storms.”

While City crews continue to prepare stormwater infrastructure for winter weather, residents are encouraged to take steps to protect their homes and families as well. Residents can learn about flood risks, find storm-preparedness resources and access safety information by visiting the City's El Niño webpage at sandiego.gov/elnino.

Residents who observe illegal dumping in storm channels or storm drains are encouraged to report it through the City's Get It Done app, by calling 619-235-1000 or emailing swppp@sandiego.gov.