Floodplains are the large flat areas surrounding streams and rivers. When excess rain or ice melt nearby or at higher elevations flow into streams and rivers faster than usual, the water levels of the streams and rivers rise. Floodplains hold that extra water until it can flow downstream. Floodplains provide a natural protection from the devastation of flooding.

Sometimes it is tempting to see these floodplain areas near creeks and streams as potential areas for development. What if a retaining wall were built along the stream, and the sloping land backfilled? Then the resulting level ground could be used to build on, or perhaps used for a parking lot. The problem is, eventually there will be extra water flowing toward or through the stream or river and there will be no more floodplain there to contain it. Where will the water go? The resulting flooding may cause damage either to the new construction or to structures downstream. Urban planning boards which approve new construction projects take water management issues like this very seriously. They may be maligned by some as being “anti-development,” but it is only fair that they consider the effects new projects will have on the owners of existing construction downstream.