About the Agency
The Madera County Flood Control and Water Conservation Agency (MCFCWCA) was founded by the State Legislature in 1969 to construct, operate, and plan flood control, water supply, drainage, and groundwater recharge projects. The MCFCWCA is a special district, with the Madera County Board of Supervisors serving as the Board of Directors of the MCFCWCA. The Madera County Department of Water and Natural Resources staffs the MCFCWCA.
Flood Control and Water Rights
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is the agency responsible for administering water rights throughout California. This includes appropriative rights for the beneficial use of water. The SWRCB has developed a fact sheet on flood flow diversions and water rights permitting needs for groundwater recharge projects:
The Water and Natural Resources Department responsibilities include floodplain administrative activities that entail the following:
- Ensuring compliance with state and Federal levee maintenance requirements
- Educating the community about reducing flood risks
- Administering the state Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit for unincorporated Madera County.
- Administering the County’s Special Flood Hazard Ordinance as required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to remain eligible for coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
- MCFCWCA FAQs 8/16/2022
County Floodplain Management Regulations
The Madera County Floodplain Management Regulations can be found in Chapter 14.60 of the Madera County Code of Ordinances.
Levees
- “Corps Concepts” Videos explaining levees and levee terms
- So, You Live Behind a Levee! Covers issues such as flood size and risk, signs of trouble, ways to reduce risk, and how to prepare for and respond to emergencies
FEMA Information
Information for Homeowners and Renters
View or download your Flood Hazard map from FEMA’s Map Service Center
- Insurance Professionals and Lenders
- MT-1 Application Forms and Instructions (Letter of Map Amendment)
- MT-2 Application Forms and Instructions (Letter of Map Revision)