Oakland’s stormwater drainage systems are in desperate need of upgrades and repairs. The El Niño will only further strain the city’s infrastructure.
Miles of Oakland’s stormwater drainage system are in desperate need of upgrades or replacement — and the city is running out of time to do so. East and West Oakland’s poorest neighborhoods already face an increased risk of landslides, flooding and sinkholes because of the aging pipes, and the El Niño will only put further strain on Oakland’s flood management infrastructure.
Mercury News reports:
“During El Niño years — especially the 2026–2027 season, which is expected to bring larger and more frequent storms — these vulnerabilities are magnified,” said Terri Fashing, the Stormwater and Drain manager for the city of Oakland. “Sedimentation, clogging, trash accumulation, high tides that move into the storm drainage system and rising groundwater all reduce the system’s ability to keep up with storm intensity.”
According to a Sept. 10 report from the city, the longer Oakland waits to repair its 85-year-old pipes, the more expensive it will become, and the higher the risk of flooding and system failures.
Read the full story: Oakland’s aging storm drains need $3.6 billion in repairs. A powerful El Niño could test them.
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