Storm Drain Management

There are over 1,170 storm drain structures and 250 miles of drainage pipe within our communities. In many cases the maintenance of these systems are the responsibility of the community and not local government. Maintenance may include clearing blocked drains, removing debris from storm drain structures, and cleaning and repairing damaged drainpipes.

Storm drains are designed to handle normal water flow, but occasionally during heavy rain, flooding will occur. Our goal is to limit the number of flooding incidents by doing our part to keep the drains clear. A blocked drain can flood homes in your community and as we all know, your neighborhood storm drain system is linked to the Chesapeake Bay. Whatever is dumped into a storm drain ends up in the Chesapeake Bay.

Here is what the Chesapeake Bay Foundation has to say about items often found in our storm drains.

Motor Oil When poured down the gutter or storm drain, motor oil travels to your local stream, where it damages or kills underwater grasses and aquatic life. One quart of oil can contaminate up to 250,000 gallons of water and create an oil slick two-acres in size. Antifreeze Antifreeze is a highly toxic chemical that is poisonous to people, as well as fish, birds, and pets. Animals that live or drink from streams, lakes, or gutters contaminated with anti-freeze could become seriously ill or even die. Paint Many paint products harm people, animals, and the environment when improperly used or disposed of.

Yard Waste When left in the gutter or dumped into storm drains, yard wastes travel directly to the Bay. Once in the water, yard wastes decompose rapidly. This process adds excessive nutrients to the Bay, which is detrimental. Yard wastes also clog storm drains, rendering them ineffective and causing localized flooding. Plastics Plastic and foam containers wash into storm drains and into the Bay. They do not decompose. Plastics can kill wildlife when animals eat them or become entangled in them

We ask that you join us in an effort to help the Bay and reduce property damage in your community. When you notice a storm drain running slow, standing water at a curb inlet, or notice material in the storm drain contact our community management staff at….

staff@communitymanagers.net