County Council Approves Contract to Update Deep Creek Basin Stormwater Master Plan
Posted On: August 6, 2025
The Volusia County Council has approved a $454,101 contract with CDM Smith to update the Deep Creek Basin Stormwater Master Plan, which addresses flooding and water quality issues on 160 square miles of unincorporated Volusia County.
The 18-month project will modernize the basin's 2009 stormwater master plan using current modeling technology and data. In addition to the basin-wide analysis, the study will focus on areas with known flooding issues, including Daytona Park Estates, Lake Winnemissett, the Leffler Property, and Farmington Estates.
"This comprehensive update will help us better understand current flood risks and develop effective solutions to protect our communities," said Dona DeMarsh Butler, director of recovery and resiliency. "The study will provide us with the roadmap needed to prioritize future stormwater infrastructure improvements."
The project scope includes converting the existing stormwater model to more advanced StormWise software, conducting field reconnaissance of drainage systems, analyzing flood risks under multiple storm scenarios, and evaluating up to 10 alternative improvement solutions. The study will also include water quality analysis and pollutant loading assessments.
CDM Smith will conduct two public meetings to gather community input on recommended improvements. The consultant will also coordinate with the City of Deltona regarding flooding concerns in the adjacent Theresa Basin.
The updated master plan will analyze storm events ranging from 10-year to 500-year floods, including scenarios with 15 percent increased rainfall volumes to account for climate change considerations. This forward-thinking approach aligns with expected federal guidelines for resiliency planning.
The project is funded through Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funds, requiring no local tax dollars. The updated plan will help the county prioritize capital improvement projects and support future grant applications for flood mitigation infrastructure.
Work is expected to begin within two weeks of receiving formal notice to proceed, with completion anticipated in early 2027. The final deliverables will include detailed flood mapping, infrastructure improvement recommendations with cost estimates, and a comprehensive stormwater management plan to guide future development and flood protection efforts.
