Who Is Responsible For Maintaining A Stormwater System?
Posted on: 19 July 2023
Stormwater runs off the land after rain or snowmelt. It can carry pollutants, sediment, debris, and other contaminants into streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Stormwater management involves controlling and reducing the negative effects of stormwater runoff on human health and the planet.
Methods Used to Manage Stormwater Runoff
Stormwater management uses various infrastructures and practices to collect, convey, treat, store, or infiltrate stormwater. Some examples of stormwater infrastructure are catch basins, pipes, culverts, ditches, swales, ponds, wetlands, rain gardens, green roofs, permeable pavements, and rain barrels.
Some examples of stormwater practices are street sweeping, litter control, erosion control, vegetation management, and public education. The party responsible for stormwater management depends on whether the property is private or publicly owned.
Private Property
Stormwater responsibility refers to the obligation of landowners to properly maintain the stormwater drainage on their property. This includes the roof, the ground, the gutters, and the pipes that transport the water to the discharge point. Landowners are also responsible for any runoff or pollutants from their property.
The local council usually takes care of the stormwater once it leaves the property. Still, there may be different rules in different states and territories. Landowners should check with their local council or water authority to determine their obligations regarding stormwater management.
The Requirements for Maintaining a Stormwater System
Maintaining a stormwater system involves regular inspection, cleaning, repair, and replacement of the components as needed. Gutters and downspouts should be cleared of leaves, twigs, and other debris at least twice yearly to prevent clogging and overflow. Drainage pipes should be checked for cracks, leaks, blockages, or damage and repaired or replaced as necessary.
Stormwater pits and grates should be cleaned of sediment and rubbish to ensure proper drainage and prevent flooding. Rain barrels or tanks should be emptied regularly and free of algae, mosquitoes, and other pests.
Rain gardens, green roofs, or permeable pavements should be weeded, mulched, trimmed, replanted, or swept to maintain functionality and appearance. Fortunately, a stormwater system maintenance service can manage all of this.
Public Property
The city or county is responsible for planning, constructing, maintaining, and operating stormwater infrastructure within their boundaries. The city or county may also have regulations or ordinances that require property owners to comply with specific standards or practices regarding stormwater management.
Both landowners and local governments are interested in ensuring that stormwater runoff is minimized and treated before it reaches the natural waterways. By maintaining a stormwater system properly, landowners and local governments can protect the environment and human health from the adverse impacts of stormwater runoff.
For more information, contact a company like CatchAll Environmental.
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