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Flooding Information & Resources

Working Together to Reduce Flooding
Flooding has been a complex challenge for Scotch Plains and the surrounding region. While there is no single solution, the Township is taking meaningful steps to better understand the causes of flooding, improve local infrastructure, and pursue long-term regional solutions.

Through new studies, stormwater planning, community initiatives, and coordination with county, state, and federal partners, Scotch Plains is working to reduce flood risk and build a more resilient community. Learn more about the work underway, ways residents can help, and how you can stay informed and involved.

Scotch Plains Flood Advisory Task Force

Scotch Plains is considering organizing an advisory body of local, volunteer experts that will partner directly with the Township to identify potential strategies to address chronic regional flooding that affects the municipality, as well as surrounding communities.

Those interested in applying to be on the task force must fill out an application, including a short statement of relevant qualifications by September 30, 2026. Decisions will be based on the specific expertise and experience of the applicants.

Scotch Plains Flooding Study

The Township is benefitting from a free study that is now being undertaken by the Center for Natural Resources at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in Newark. 

As part of the research, NJIT has placed cameras at four strategic locations where flooding is common in Scotch Plains. The cameras track water levels during heavy rains to study existing conditions. NJIT will review the data with the Township, making recommendations based off the information gleaned.

Town Hall Meeting on Flooding: October 15, 2025

The Township hosted a public meeting bringing together local, county, state, and federal partners to discuss flooding and infrastructure improvements. Residents had the opportunity to ask questions, learn about ongoing efforts, and hear how the Township is working to address flooding concerns.

A recording of the full meeting can be found here.

Scotch Plains Mapping Stormwater Infrastructure

The Township of Scotch Plains is currently advancing its Phase One Watershed Inventory Report to comply with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) Tier A MS4 permit requirements. This initial phase focuses on establishing a comprehensive, digitally- mapped baseline of the municipal stormwater system.

By cataloging public and private infrastructure, Scotch Plains is laying the crucial data groundwork necessary to better understand how water moves through the community, manages runoff, and impacts local water quality.

A primary component of this initiative is the rigorous tracking of all local conveyance and outfall infrastructure. The town is systematically mapping all storm drain inlets, subsurface conveyance pipes, manholes, and municipal outfall points that measure 12 inches or larger.

Additionally, the inventory details critical system interconnections—where stormwater flows across borders between Scotch Plains, adjacent municipalities, and Union County roadways—as well as the specific drainage areas that empty directly into local receiving waterbodies like Green Brook and Robinson's Branch.

Beyond pipes and inlets, the inventory logs structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) designed to treat and control stormwater before it reaches our waterways. This includes mapping all public and private detention basins, rain gardens, manufactured treatment devices, and municipal maintenance yards.

Ultimately, the finalized Phase One structural map will feed directly into the Phase Two Watershed Assessment Report, allowing Scotch Plains to identify flood-prone areas, target infrastructure upgrades, and implement impactful water quality projects across the township.

Helpful Tips to Reduce Flooding

Small steps at home can help manage stormwater and protect your property. The below actions can help keep water moving, give rain somewhere to go, and protect your home’s most vulnerable areas:

  • Clear the way. Remove leaves, branches, grass clippings, and silt from streams, ditches, brooks, and culverts on or near your property. Keeping these areas clear has made a measurable difference in town.
  • Clean gutters & drains. Clear gutters, downspouts, and storm drains regularly—especially before major storms.
  • Direct water away from your home. Make sure the soil around your foundation slopes away from the house.
  • Protect critical utilities. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider elevating your electrical panel, water heater, HVAC equipment, and other critical systems.
  • Give rain somewhere to go. Reduce paved and hardscaped areas where possible. Permeable pavers, gravel, and rain gardens can help absorb runoff rather than sending it into the street.

Be ready before a storm

  • Sign up for Union County/Scotch Plains emergency alerts.
  • Know that flooding here can escalate fast — residents have described the Green Brook going from a trickle to full flooding in 15–20 minutes during heavy storms. Don't wait to move your car or evacuate a low-lying area once heavy rain starts.
  • Never drive into flooded roads.

Financial protection

  • Consider getting flood insurance even if you are not in an official high-risk FEMA zone.

Get involved locally

  • Report clogged culverts, ditches, or storm drains near you to the Department of Public Works: (908) 322-6700, ext. 241.
  • Attend town flooding forums and community meetings — the town has been organizing these along with a "Resilient NJ" regional grant application with neighboring towns, and resident turnout has helped keep pressure on for state/federal funding.

Scotch Plains Rain Garden Initiative

The Scotch Plains Township Environmental Commission and Green Team have launched an initiative to promote residential rain gardens; shallow, planted areas that naturally collect rainwater runoff.

These low-maintenance natural landscapes help reduce neighborhood flooding, filter pollutants before they reach local streams, and support native wildlife. Three rain gardens can be found at Brookside Park.

To receive helpful resources and stay updated on local demonstration and educational projects, you can learn more and fill out a brief community interest form here.

Green Brook Flood Control Commission

In response to regional floods in 1971 and 1973, a local movement achieved a new level of recognition. The Green Brook Flood Control Commission was authorized by the State of New Jersey and consists of volunteer representatives appointed by the flood-affected municipalities and counties, working in cooperation with state and federal representatives. 

The Commission regularly holds open meetings to discuss their goal of a comprehensive flood control solution for the entire Green Brook Basin, as well as to get updated information on the progress of the project.  Here are current project maps:

Meeting information can be found here.

Learn more about the Commission here.

Scotch Plains is an active member of the Green Brook Flood Control Commission, which has advocated for a permanent federal flood control solution along the Green Brook for more than 50 years.

The Township is currently working with members of its Congressional delegation to secure funding in the 2026 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) for a comprehensive, long-term structural flood control project to be designed and implemented by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

As of July 29, 2026, The Township has received an encouraging update from Congressman Tom Kean’s office regarding the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ General Reevaluation Study of the Green Brook/Raritan River Upper Basin, i.e. the long-running study initiated after the Corps’ earlier finding that structural flood mitigation was not warranted for our area.

The 2026 WRDA, currently moving through Congress, is expected to include language that:

        • Places this project on a list for expedited completion; and
        • Requires the Corps to deliver a status report within six months of the bill’s passage.

This is a positive sign for a project that many residents have been asking about for years. It does not mean immediate construction, but it does mean renewed momentum and accountability on the federal timeline. We will post further updates here as WRDA moves forward and as the Army Corps responds.