The recent flooding from Hurricane Floyd demonstrated the vulnerability of the basin to flood damage. Because many flood plains are highly developed, floods cause damage to the transportation network, business and residential property, and water supply and wastewater facilities.
Floods also contaminate drinking water supplies and back up sewer systems.
The responsibilities for flood loss reduction are scattered across many agencies in the Delaware River Basin. The responsibilities are far reaching - involving both planning and operational functions. Flood loss reduction elements are administered by numerous federal, state and local agencies in the Delaware River Basin. Many good programs exist and there has been much cooperation among the agencies. Currently, over 120 communities across the United States participate in FEMA's program.