As the winter season wraps up, so do the diligent efforts of the City of Sacramento's "rain patrol." The team, a group of workers from the stormwater and wastewater division, have been on their toes through the stormy months from October to April, ensuring the city remains flood-free, Sacramento City Express reports.
These crews have taken on the crucial role of monitoring a variety of environmental conditions, including weather patterns, water levels, and infrastructure health - this includes keeping a watchful eye on levees, ditches, creeks, and canals. However, their job doesn't end there, they also address storm-caused hazards, like clogged drains, and ensure pumps continue to operate even when the power goes out, ensuring minimal storm impact this year. "We had minimal impacts from storms this year and that success is due to the work, and dedication of our staff," said Charley Cunningham, manager of the stormwater and wastewater division, “They always deserve a big ‘thank you’ because these crews work hard in all kinds of hazardous conditions,” as per Sacramento City Express report.
Over the recent season, the City's rain patrol responded to approximately 1,500 work orders and service requests. Their proactive measures played a crucial role in preventing flooding in Sacramento, an area where all rainwater needs to be pumped out due to the city's reliance on levees for protection.
Now, with weather conditions improving, the team looks toward necessary annual maintenance and preparations for upcoming storms. Despite a change in focus, the necessity of the group's functions cannot be understated. "It’s important to know that without the hard work of our staff, Sacramento would be much more prone to flooding," Cunningham highlighted. During the drier months, crews will continue working hard, ensuring all stormwater infrastructure is maintained, and ready for the next bout of rainfall, concludes the Sacramento City Express coverage.
