Orleans Parish County Drainage Analysis & Water Flow Map

Address
Overview

Where does rainwater drain in Orleans Parish? This interactive map shows surface drainage patterns across New Orleans and surrounding areas based on terrain shape - where gravity directs rainwater based on elevation and slope. For official flood risk information, see the FEMA flood zone layer on the Hazards tab.

Orleans Parish sits in a bowl largely below sea level, making it entirely dependent on levees and mechanical pump stations for drainage. Rainwater cannot drain by gravity - it must be pumped out through the city's 120+ drainage pump stations into Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River. Heavy clay soils and subsidence compound the drainage challenge. Enter any address to see parcel-level surface drainage analysis and water flow direction based on terrain shape.

Interpretation

Select a location on the map or enter an address to see terrain analysis.

3D Terrain Visualization
Where does rainwater flow based on terrain shape? Blue areas show where water collects and drains downhill.
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