How to Solve HOA Community Stormwater Issues

A Homeowners Association (HOA) is one of the reasons why homebuyers choose to live in a specific condominium complex or community. Its presence ensures that aesthetics are maintained and property values remain stable. Besides maintaining shared spaces, this entity also ensures effective stormwater management. What are some must-know stormwater management tips for HOA communities? What does it take to implement them? Most importantly, who can assist you with these tasks?

Stormwater Runoff is Everyone’s Issue to Deal With

While your HOA is in charge of developing a maintenance plan, it is up to each homeowner to support stormwater management practices. Residents must be:

• Aware of stormwater infrastructure on the property.
• Keep storm drains clear of debris.
• Manage household toxins to stay away from water.
  

That said, it is ultimately up to the HOA to adopt long-term flood prevention strategies for the community.

How to Stay on Top of the HOA’s Stormwater Management Responsibilities

While there are plenty of stormwater management tips for HOA communities, the first step is to become familiar with the current stormwater systems. The HOA likely had no input regarding the design or construction of the stormwater management system.

Instead, it is responsible for protecting water quality in adjacent bodies by maintaining the infrastructure. Examples may include catch basins, control structures, ponds, filter vaults, bioswales, and more. Know what you are working with, how long it has been in place, and whether any upgrades or repairs have been done.

Now is also the time to review regulatory compliance. The HOA could face penalties and fines if the stormwater management infrastructure is allowed to deteriorate so that polluted runoff may enter lakes or rivers.

Understanding the Stormwater Runoff Challenges HOAs Face

You have familiarized yourself with the drainage system and associated infrastructure that is in place. Good! Now, familiarize yourself with the challenges the property presents. These typically do not become visible until after the first strong storm. If you are just now taking over as a representative for the HOA, look for documentation that your predecessor may have left behind.

Blocked Storm Drains

The most visible problem is a blocked storm drain. Leaves and lawn clippings are common culprits. Depending on the individual residents’ buy-in for flood prevention, trash, and illegally parked vehicles may also block drains. Addressing these problems may require meeting residents or distributing reminders to clear the drains.

Too Many Impervious Surfaces

Standing water is a surefire sign that your drainage is off. The sloping of your impervious drive and walkways may not align with the property’s drainage needs. While it may not be possible to re-grade these impervious areas, you can urge residents to ensure nothing toxic is around any pooling and standing water.

Unknown Infrastructure Status

One of the most critical stormwater management tips for HOA communities involves infrastructure maintenance. Research when the system was last inspected and underwent regular maintenance. In Washington, properties are required to perform annual stormwater inspections and maintenance. Records should be on file to give you this information.

Prevent Property Damage and Protect Water Resources With an Infrastructure Maintenance Program That Focuses on HOA Compliance

The HOA has noted the challenges the property presents. Now is the time to prevent them from negatively impacting the community and lakes or rivers.

• Pinpoint areas that experience flooding. We typically refer to flooding as a symptom of another problem, likely one that is hidden underground.
• Allocate funds for a professional infrastructure inspection, or reach out to CatchAll Environmental to perform a complimentary assessment. While you can easily undertake debris removal to keep storm drains clear of leaves, there are tasks involving the infrastructure that you cannot do yourself. Examples include inspecting underground pipes with video cameras, removing and disposing of sediment properly, and repairing broken pipes. Also, regular pipe-jetting keeps the system functional after significant storms and as seasons change.
• Develop a regular maintenance plan. Regular maintenance helps to reduce the risk of flooding. It also gives you frequent insight into the overall state of your stormwater system. Experts can tell you if repairs are needed. With this in mind, regular maintenance will save you money because you do not typically face the emergency repairs a non-maintained system presents. Moreover, maintenance is critical for effective stormwater pollution prevention plan management.

Working With the Experts Who Specialize in HOA Service for New and Older Infrastructure

CatchAll Environmental partners with local HOAs in need of stormwater management assistance across the Pacific Northwest. Our team is your go-to solution for:

• Comprehensive system inspections and mapping
• A dedicated service team that ensures your system functions properly
• Ongoing maintenance for sediment and debris control. Done regularly, these maintenance tasks can save you money.
  

HOAs have a responsibility to both homeowners and the environment. As an HOA board member or representative, you must protect both from the adverse effects of non-functioning stormwater infrastructure.

CatchAll’s team of stormwater experts can help you accomplish all of the above.

Every appointment begins with an inspection, so you know exactly what is going on with your infrastructure before you make any decisions.

Our services include catch basin cleaning, filter replacements, pond remediation, pipe jetting, and more. We also handle all municipal reporting and compliance requirements for you.

Please do not wait until the next storm; connect with our team today to schedule your HOA’s next infrastructure inspection!