Southside ReLeaf and the University of Richmond have launched the “Go with the Flow” community science project to collect data on flooding patterns across the city. The project, which runs from March 20 to Sept. 1, encourages Richmond residents to participate in a flood survey each time it rains.

The project is working to gather data that will help build a comprehensive flood map of Richmond, identifying areas that flood and areas where infrastructure failures may be contributing to the problem. The data collected also will support advocacy efforts for green infrastructure improvements in alignment with the city’s RVAgreen 2050 and RVAH2O initiatives.

“There’s currently a significant gap in data about where and how much it floods in the city, but we know that flooding is a serious problem,” said Sheri Shannon, co-founder and director of programs at Southside ReLeaf. “We hear from our South Side neighbors all the time about how badly it floods in their neighborhoods and how much that disrupts their lives.”

Flooding in Richmond is often caused by excessive runoff from developed areas with non-permeable surfaces that prevent water absorption. These surfaces direct water toward outdated drainage systems that are often overwhelmed. South Side Richmond, particularly areas annexed from Chesterfield, faces significant flooding, a concern identified as a priority by Richmond City Council for 2025.

Participants in the project are encouraged to complete the flood survey during or after any rainfall, whether or not flooding is observed.

“Knowing where it floods in the city is just as important as knowing where it doesn’t flood during a rainstorm,” said Stephanie Spera, associate professor of Geography, Environment, and Sustainability at the University of Richmond. “The flood model we’re creating uses data on where paved roads, storm drains, trees, and other topographical features are located in the city. With the data on where it does and doesn’t flood during a rain event collected through the survey, we’ll be able to create a stronger model that will allow us to look for patterns in how the built environment of an area relates to its flood risk.”

As the project collects more survey data, the flood model will improve, allowing for more accurate predictions of flood risks. This information is expected to help direct resources and inform future flood manage- ment and infrastructure investments.

“We’re excited to invite the community to participate in this community science project,” said Amy Wentz, co-founder of Southside ReLeaf and director of engagement. “Everyone can contribute something meaningful to this collective effort to address flooding in our communities.”

For more information visit southsidereleaf.org/go-with-the-flow.