Lagoon and Levee

The Foster City Lagoon, as a drainage detention basin, is designed to successfully withstand a storm of 100-year return frequency or a storm of such severity that it is likely to occur only once each century. The lagoon therefore provides maximum drainage security for Foster City. Stormwater collected throughout the City flows to the Foster City Lagoon. All storm water enters the storm drain system through curb inlets and catch basins and drains into the lagoon from which it is pumped into the bay.

Foster City's levee system is primarily designed for flood protection. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has certified Foster City's levee as providing protection from the 1-percent annual chance (base) flood. This means land within the Foster City city limits will continue to be classified as Zone X, where mandatory flood insurance is not required. Aside from flood protection,  the levee system also provides recreational uses for the community. Serving as a main link to the Bay Trail, residents can enjoy walking, running, bicycling, and skating on the levee pathway.