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Local Update

Columbia Plans Flood Reduction for Five Points

The City of Columbia shared a plan with new culverts and a redesigned Maxcy Gregg Park. It scheduled a public meeting for October 1, 2026.

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Posted October 6, 2026. Sources last checked October 6, 2026.

Quick answerThe City of Columbia plans two projects to reduce flooding in Five Points: large box culverts at Blossom Street and Saluda Avenue, and a redesign of Maxcy Gregg Park to store stormwater. A city engineer says a typical severe storm holds about four feet of water at that corner. The city model predicts about a foot and a half after the work. Construction is still years away.

What the City Announced

Two Columbia TV stations reported on the plan: WLTX on September 29 and WIS on September 30, 2026. Both describe a two-part project. WLTX says it is one phase of a broader storm-drainage project in the Rocky Branch watershed, based on city documents.

Box culverts: WLTX reports the plan adds large box culverts, 12 by 10 feet, to move some water away from Five Points in major storms. WIS reports they go at Blossom Street and Saluda Avenue.
Maxcy Gregg Park: Both stations report the park would be redesigned to hold stormwater. WLTX says parts of the park would be lowered, with elevated walkways and islands in the concept design.
Trees: WIS reports a city engineer said the plan keeps as many of the park's large trees as possible.
Water depth: WLTX says the city reports about four feet of water can build up at Blossom and Saluda in major flooding. WIS reports the city model shows about four feet held there in a typical severe event, dropping to about a foot and a half with the work.

WIS also reports that the area flooded several times this summer, and that roads closed.

Cost and Timing: Two Reports

WLTX reports the first part of the project, at Maxcy Gregg Park, is in design and permitting. It says construction could begin in summer 2028 and finish in summer 2029. It reports a cost of $7 million to $8 million, paid from the city stormwater bond program and a FEMA hazard mitigation grant.

WIS reports the full flood reduction plan would cost $58 million and be complete by 2030. The two reports give different numbers, and the city's own project page was not available to us. Ask the City of Columbia for current figures and dates.

What This Means for Homes Near Five Points

A street and park project helps the street. It does not fix water on a private lot. Water follows low ground, so what happens on your own lot still matters.

At the point the USDA soil survey lists for central Columbia, the soil is mapped as urban land. That means ground that has been built over or filled. Soil changes from lot to lot, so a site visit tells more than a map.

What to Check on Your Own Lot

Look up your flood zone: City of Columbia Water points to the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, and FEMA says you can search there by street address. The city also says flooding can happen anywhere, and that its current FEMA maps took effect December 21, 2017.
Call the floodplain office: The Columbia Water floodplain page lists (803) 545-3400 for questions.
Check downspouts: The ASCE Geo-Institute homeowner guide suggests sending downspout water at least 5 feet from the foundation, into well-drained areas.
Check the slope: The same guide suggests soil that slopes away from the house, at least 3 inches over 5 feet.
Look after heavy rain: Check for standing water near the foundation, and inside a crawl space if you have one, once it is safe to do so.

The City of Columbia can answer questions about flood zones and work in the floodplain. If you see new cracks or damp walls, ask a licensed contractor or a structural engineer to look, or request a free estimate.

Learn more about basement waterproofing and drainage in Columbia, SC and crawl space encapsulation and vapor barriers in Columbia, SC. You can also request a free estimate in Columbia, SC.

This post is general information. It is not an inspection, a diagnosis, or engineering advice.

Five Points Flooding Questions

What is the Five Points flood reduction plan?

It is a City of Columbia plan with two parts. One adds large box culverts at Blossom Street and Saluda Avenue. The other redesigns Maxcy Gregg Park to store stormwater during heavy rain.

When will the Five Points work be finished?

WLTX reports construction on the first part could begin in summer 2028 and finish in summer 2029. WIS reports the full plan is expected to be complete by 2030. Dates can change, so ask the City of Columbia for current ones.

How can I check if my home is in a flood zone?

City of Columbia Water points to the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, and FEMA says you can search there by street address. You can also call Columbia Water at (803) 545-3400. We cannot tell you your flood zone.

Sources

All sources were opened and checked on October 6, 2026.

WLTX, "Columbia plans project to reduce flooding in Five Points," September 29, 2026.
WIS News 10, "Columbia develops plan to reduce Five Points flooding," September 30, 2026.
City of Columbia Water, Floodplain Management (page is not dated).
FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
Living With Shrink/Swell Soils, ASCE Geo-Institute, version 2 (2022).
USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey.

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