WATER AND CLIMATE
Common Events & Conditions The South End of Bridgeport is characterized by low-lying elevations and inadequate stormwater drainage, which results in frequent flooding during rain events, including minor ones. Connecticut is divided into 8 major drainage basins, 45 regional basins, and many subregional, local, and even smaller catchment areas. Bridgeport is located in the Southwest Coast basin, which drains primarily into Long Island Sound. Stormwater flows to Long Island Sound by way of surface runoff and subsurface drainage pipes. When runoff exceeds the capacity of the stormwater infrastructure, street flooding occurs in areas that are naturally low-lying and flat. These occurrences are expected to become more frequent as sea levels continue to rise. In addition to flows often exceeding infrastructure capacity, trash and pollution impair flows and impact water quality. Combined sewer overflow discharges are a challenge for water quality in Bridgeport’s estuaries during major storm events.
Street & Basement Flooding
WPCA
Long Island Sound
Long Island Sound
Sewershed Flow & Boundaries
Watershed Flow & Boundaries
A sewershed is defined as a geographic and/or hydrologic region, or basin, in which all stormwater and wastewater flows are conveyed to a single point, or outlet, before being conveyed elsewhere. Topography typically governs the size and shape of the sewersheds in a given collection system.
A watershed is the area of land that contributes runoff to a specific receiving water body such as a lake, river, stream, wetland, estuary, or bay. Bridgeport comprises the Pequonnock River and Rooster River watersheds. The Pequonnock River begins at its headwaters in Monroe and flows in a south-southeasterly direction through the center of Trumbull and the northern neighborhoods of the City of Bridgeport on its way to Bridgeport Harbor. The Rooster River forms the border between Bridgeport and Fairfield and flows to Black Rock Harbor and Long Island Sound via the Ash Creek Estuary.
In Bridgeport, wastewater and stormwater leaving one or more of the 41 sewersheds are conveyed by a large trunk sewer to either the eastern or western wastewater treatment plant prior to discharge.
3b
Surface Flow & Drainage Paths