Property owners can reduce the risk of clogging systems (also known as failures), property damage, and pollution by establishing a simple stormwater maintenance program.
Mitigating Risk
Stormwater maintenance programs are critical for reducing the risk of clogging systems, property damage, regulatory fines, and pollution. The scope of a program will vary depending on the size of your property, the drainage system, and what type of stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) system is in place. BMPs can include:
- catch basin inserts or screens
- green infrastructure
- wetlands or detention ponds
Stormwater maintenance programs should be tailored to suit the needs of the property. For example, a well-suited maintenance program may include some, if not all, of the following:
- routine inspections
- cleaning stormwater outfalls and systems
- removing trash
- maintaining banks and seeps
- replacing vegetation
- inspecting for erosion and sedimentation
- inspecting for structural failures
- maintaining drainage pipes and channels
Stormwater Maintenance Inspections
Inspections are a critical part of maintaining stormwater management systems. A thorough inspection should include visual examinations as well as, if appropriate, physical testing of structures and equipment. In most cases, inspections will involve examining inlets, pipes, channels, retention areas, and other components at least once per month during dry weather conditions.
Periodic inspections can help ensure that stormwater systems are working properly and are free of obstructions. The frequency of inspections should be determined by local conditions such as point source pollutants (i.e. volume and type), rainfall amounts, terrain, and land use.
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Cleaning Outfalls and Systems
Cleaning outfalls and systems should be done regularly to remove debris build-up that could cause blockages or damage equipment and structures. Recurrent cleanings are important to reduce the risk of system clogging and failures that lead to property damage and uncontrollable pollution discharge which contaminate groundwater supplies, lakes, rivers, and the ocean.
Cleanings can be performed by hand or by using advanced vacuum trucks and equipment. All cleanings involve the removal of large pieces of discarded trash, debris from vegetation or vehicles, sediment collection, and pollutants that may build up on filtering media.
All systems are different – therefore, not all cleanings are performed in the same manner. Because of the uniqueness of each system, it is imperative to source experienced, professional stormwater cleaning crews or service companies before tackling any cleaning project.
Photo: Above ground, unmanned entry saves time and money.
Reducing your property’s failure risks, damage, and pollution is simple – We’re here to help!
Stormwater maintenance is a vital component to reducing pollution and potential flooding risks associated with stormwater filters, drainage, or volume systems. Santa Fe Water Systems has been helping property owners maintain BMPs and protect their properties for years – and our team would love to partner with you.
Ask us how we can work together to get started with a simple and comprehensive stormwater maintenance program today.
