Every time heavy rain hits one San Antonio street, Arturo and Vicky Cano grapple with floodwater pooling outside their home as they wait for a city fix that, they say, still has not come.
Here's what to know
The couple, who live on Bernard Drive in San Antonio, told KSAT that when it rains, flooding reaches their home and at least three nearby houses. "It's just a big wave going back and forth with the water," Vicky Cano said.
After a recent two-day stretch of rain, water waded up to the second step of their porch, where it drains extremely slowly.
Arturo emphasized that the effects are not limited to the street. "It's damaging our home underneath with all the water going under there, messing up our foundation," he said.
On Oct. 2, Arturo helped a driver whose car stalled in the pooled water near the house after water got into the engine.
More background
The Canos said older neighbors have told them the flooding problem goes back years. They have spent much of that time trying to get the city to respond.
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According to Vicky, their attempts to get help have included "countless tickets" through 311, many submitted with photos and videos.
"We've been putting in tickets since we moved in here," Vicky said. "They've been closing it out."
The responses, however, have only deepened their frustration.
"They'll tell us, 'Oh, it's closed, let me find out,'" Vicky continued. "They'll look at it: 'Oh, there wasn't enough evidence.' What [other] evidence do you need?"
What's being done?
After taking the issue to her city representative, District 3 Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran, Vicky was told the street needs a drainage outlet. She was also told any such project would require time and city funding that is not currently available.
"Miss Phyllis actually went to a one-on-one bond company," Vicky said. "The bond company said that they didn't have enough funds for that drainage sewer."
"This is unacceptable," Vicky exclaimed. "If y'all can raise the property tax for all like all homeowners, y'all can at least come up with something to just to get a little small drainage to get this water out of here."
As of Oct. 3, KSAT said it had contacted Councilwoman Viagran's office and was awaiting a response.
Where can I learn more?
Flooding complaints like the Canos' are playing out in communities across the country. These stories cover bad drainage, repeat-loss homes, blocked stormwater systems, and improvised defenses after major floods.
• In Washington, an HOA's poor drainage keeps sending floodwater back onto one property.
• Across the U.S., 30,000 homes have flooded repeatedly, and many owners still face mounting risk.
• In one neighborhood, critical infrastructure blocked with concrete left residents trapped by rising floodwater.
• After being flooded 11 times, one homeowner turned to a creative flood wall for protection.
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