Flood Resources
Special Flood Hazard Area, Information, Protection and Predictors
The City of Ottawa has three distinct Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA). The boundaries of Goose Creek east of Norris Drive, to the mouth at the Fox River, The Fox River from Ottawa Regional Hospital to the mouth at the Illinois and the areas adjacent to either side of the Illinois River from the eastern to western City limits.
The areas around Goose Creek are at greatest risk for flash flood events because of its steep declining profile. The Fox River is influenced not just by local rain events but by most of Northeastern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. The Illinois River is influenced by east northeast Illinois, into parts of Western Indiana, the Kankakee River, the Des Plaines and Chicago Rivers. It is important to understand that Ottawa is the watershed for over 11,000 square miles.
Information on whether your property is in the 100-year floodplain can be obtained from the Building Official, City Engineer, or by checking the City of Ottawa’s Geographic Information System (GIS), which has all properties listed in the regulatory floodplain. This information can also be found through FEMA’s Geo Platform at http://fema.maps.arcgis.com/home/index.html . Stop by City Hall at 301 West Madison Street or call the Community Development at 815-433-0161, ext. 230 for more information.
If you have flooding or drainage problems on your property, contact the City Engineer for solutions. He can be reached at 815-433-0161 ex 230.
It is illegal to dump yard waste, dirt, or other debris/liquids into a waterway and violators may be fined (515 ILCS 5/5-5). If you see someone dumping debris in our water courses (storm drains, sewers, creeks, ditches, streets, rivers) or suspect any other illegal activity, please contact the Community Development Department at 815-433-0161.
Information:
- Floodplain Management 2023 Annual Progress Report
- Flood Hazard Plan
- 2022 Ottawa Addendum to the 2020 Flood Hazard Plan
- City of Ottawa Flood Information
- Fema’s National Flood Hazard Layer: Type in your address to see if you are in the floodplain
- Know Your Flood Hazard
- City Flood Services
- Ottawa’s Flood Program for Public Information
- Flood Permitting Requirements
Flood Insurance:
- Get Flood Insurance Quote Here: Flood Insurance Information