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Despite Major Rainfall, Major Flooding Not Huge Concern In Maricopa County

(Photo by Christina Estes - KJZZ)
Rain in Phoenix.

In the last week, more than three inches of rain has fallen in some parts of the Phoenix metro. But at the same time, other areas saw less than half-an-inch.

In many cases, large amounts of rain fell very quickly, leading to blocked off roads and rushing rivers in once-dry washes.

Steve Waters with the Maricopa County Flood Control District says despite the almost daily rain, there’s a reason the county has not seen major flooding.

“Our channels are doing exactly what they’re supposed to do. Whether it’s been Indian Bend wash or Arizona Canal Diversion Channel, they’re grabbing the water and delivering it to the rivers,” he said.

Waters says most of the water that flows through the washes won’t make it to the river, at least not to make an impact. Most of that water has been absorbed by the ground.

Katherine Fritcke was a morning producer at KJZZ from 2015 to 2017.