underground streams/rivers

[somerfriend.livejournal.com]

Does anyone know of a map that would show where the underground streams and rivers in our general area are (for example Miller's River)   Before buying a house, I'm curious to know the potential for basement flooding.

Comments

[bobobb.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure about the maps, but the basement flooding can be pretty easy to see, as it'll leave a mark on the walls from previous years when the water table has risen.

[bikergeek.livejournal.com]

Basment flooding also has a lot to do with how the land around the house is graded and where the runoff from rain and snowmelt goes.

[emcicle.livejournal.com]

You could also look at FEMA flood zone maps. I imagine you want to find out before you get too far into the buying process, but if you are getting a mortgage, they will look into whether or not the home is in a flood zone and will require flood insurance if you are. (The house we bought was designated in the newly drawn flood zone map, but we were able to have a certified site survey done to confirm the actual elevation of our house which had it taken out of the flood zone, preventing us from needing to have the very expensive flood insurance).

[vonelftinhaus.livejournal.com]

I am sure locations are a factor, with any type of flooding of course, but like others have stressed and I for one have experienced if run-off from the house is not "designed" correctly it won't matter where you are. I am on Central st (close to Highland ave) which is obviously higher up than Davis but found out years ago when trying to pin point the age of my house that this area possibly was a bit wet or "marshier" than say the corner of Benton rd and Summer st. Also if you look at Spring Hill Terrace (I believe) there used to run a smaller stream, possibly still now underground, from there all through Union sq to to around where Brickbottom studios is- at that point joins a muddy river or something.
Again this is information I got years ago- but flooding can almost always prevented from better water run off on the exterior of the house and a bit of extra sealing on the interior foundation.

[gruene.livejournal.com]

These might be useful.

FEMA 100-year flood maps: http://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=2e38c1d9c2494fcfbe21384f3ddfecb4
Representing the risk of river floods?

100-year Coastal flooding risks: http://geocommons.com/maps/8156

Agree with vonelftinhaus that the situation of the a house and the drainage makes a much larger difference than underground streams.