Is that how it's supposed to work?

What are you gonna do? It just floods here. 

WWL: Is the system working to capacity?

Rainey: That's a hard question. Capacity means many different things. Our pumping stations are all now working the best they can. We do have five pumps out, but we have 115 of 120...

WWL: So, is this as good as it gets?

Rainey: The system right now is operating well, we’re not having any issues with it, it’s just hard. It’s hard to keep up with these fast-moving, heavy-dumping rain storms.’

 I guess one idea would be to just lean into the branding opportunity.

Numbers from the Sewerage and Water Board said Friday 115 out of 120 pumps in the city were working, and all of those working were at full capacity.

"We have these rain events and we are prepared as much as possible, but we are a city that floods," Cantrell said. "If we get too much (rain), too soon, we're going to see street flooding as we have always seen."

When asked if this was as good as the flash flood protection gets, Cantrell replied "this is as good as it gets right now."

We are a "city that floods."  It is exactly as "we have always seen." 

Is it, though?  I guess if we all agree and don't ask too many questions then it can be. If we adopt such a conceit, though, how will it affect our decisions regarding the way that "whole new drainage system" we're going to need works?  A lot of interested parties would like a hand in shaping the way that question is answered.