Although City of Sacramento crews prepare all year long for the rainy season, that work intensifies when storms do arrive, typically from October to April.

Those efforts, known within the City as “rain patrol,” involve dozens of workers in the Department of Utilities’ stormwater and wastewater division.

Crews monitor weather conditions, water levels and infrastructure conditions, such as levees, ditches, creeks and canals, as well as respond to clogged storm drains, keeping pumps operating during power outages and other damage caused by storms.

As temperatures warm up and the threat of storms goes away, staff are celebrating the end of rain patrol after a successfully managed season of rainfall.

“We had minimal impacts from storms this year and that success is due to the work and dedication of our staff,” said Charley Cunningham, manager of the stormwater and wastewater division. “They always deserve a big ‘thank you’ because these crews work hard in all kinds of hazardous conditions.”

During the 2024/25 rain patrol season, crews responded to nearly 1,500 work orders and service requests, which helped prevent flooding in Sacramento.

Although Sacramento is protected by levees, all rain that falls in the city must be pumped out.

Staff must operate and maintain all stormwater infrastructure, which is critical to keeping residents and businesses safe, according to Cunningham.

“It’s important to know that without the hard work of our staff, Sacramento would be much more prone to flooding,” he said.

With another rainy season behind them, City crews are shifting their focus to annual maintenance and preparation for next year’s storms.

“These efforts don’t just happen in the stormy months. During the dry season, we’re out their making sure all of our facilities are in good order so they work when rain does fall again.”