Floodplains are a natural component of the Clark County environment.
Understanding and protecting the natural functions of floodplains helps reduce flood damage and protect resources. When flooding spreads out across the floodplain, its energy is dissipated, which results in lower flood flows downstream, reduced erosion of the streambank and channel, deposition of sediments higher in the watershed and improved groundwater recharge.
Floodplains are scenic, valued wildlife habitat, and suitable for farming. Poorly planned development in floodplains can lead to streambank erosion, loss of valuable property, increased risk of flooding to downstream properties and degradation of water quality.
Building homes and businesses in floodplains not only puts people in harm’s way, it reduces many environmental benefits of floodplains.
Some benefits of floodplains are:
Natural flood and erosion control. Floodplains are a natural sponge, storing and slowly releasing floodwaters. This reduces the height of a flood and the speed of the river, enabling floodwaters to be carried downstream. Floodplains also reduce sedimentation.
Water quality maintenance. As water travels through floodplains, plants serve as natural filters, trapping sediments and capturing pollutants.
Ground water recharge. Floodplains promote infiltration and recharge of the aquifer.
Fish and wildlife habitat. Floodplains provide breeding and feeding grounds, create and enhance waterfowl habitat, and protect habitat for rare and endangered species. During floods, many aquatic species find refuge in the slower waters.
Clark County has developed regulations to protect floodplains.
