Stormwater refers to the precipitation that falls on the ground in the form of rain, snow, or sleet, and then flows over the surface of the land. This water can accumulate in streams, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water, or it can infiltrate into the soil, recharge groundwater, and ultimately support plant growth.
Stormwater Impacts
In urban and suburban areas, stormwater runoff can be a major source of pollution, as it can pick up contaminants such as oil, fertilizer, pesticides, and sediment as it flows over paved surfaces and other impervious areas. This polluted stormwater can have negative impacts on water quality and the health of aquatic ecosystems, as well as human health if the water is used for drinking or recreation.
To mitigate these impacts, many communities have implemented stormwater management systems, such as retention ponds, green roofs, rain gardens, and pervious pavement, to capture and treat stormwater before it enters bodies of water or groundwater. These systems are designed to improve water quality, reduce flooding, and provide other environmental benefits.
What is Stormwater Maintenance?
Stormwater maintenance refers to the ongoing upkeep and management of stormwater management systems, which are designed to capture, store, and treat rainwater or melted snow runoff from urban and suburban areas. Stormwater maintenance is crucial to ensure that these systems function properly and effectively, and that they meet regulatory requirements and environmental goals.
Proper stormwater maintenance can help prevent flooding, reduce erosion, and protect water quality by removing pollutants such as oil, sediment, and bacteria. In addition, it can ensure that stormwater systems operate at maximum efficiency, saving money and reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements down the road.
Why is Stormwater Maintenance Important?
Stormwater maintenance is important for several reasons:
- Preventing flooding: Stormwater management systems are designed to capture and control the flow of stormwater to prevent flooding. Proper maintenance of these systems ensures that they are functioning properly and can effectively manage stormwater during heavy rainfall events.
- Protecting water quality: Stormwater can carry pollutants such as sediment, bacteria, oil, and chemicals from paved surfaces and other impervious areas into nearby water bodies. Regular maintenance of stormwater management systems can remove these pollutants and protect water quality.
- Meeting regulatory requirements: Many communities have regulatory requirements for stormwater management and maintenance. Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines, legal action, or other consequences.
- Saving money: Proper maintenance of stormwater management systems can prevent costly repairs or replacements down the road. By identifying and fixing problems early, maintenance can help extend the life of these systems and save money in the long run.
- Supporting environmental goals: Stormwater management systems can provide additional environmental benefits, such as reducing erosion, increasing groundwater recharge, and supporting plant growth. Proper maintenance of these systems can help ensure that they continue to provide these benefits over time.
In summary, stormwater maintenance is important to ensure that stormwater management systems are functioning properly, protecting water quality, meeting regulatory requirements, saving money, and supporting environmental goals.
Who Can Inspect My Stormwater System?
Stormwater management systems are complex and can involve a variety of components, including pipes, drains, and other structures. A qualified stormwater management professional will have specialized knowledge and training in the maintenance of these systems to identify potential issues and make necessary repairs.
If you have a specific issue with your stormwater system that you suspect may be related to an underground stormwater problem, your local contractor may be able to help diagnose and repair the issue. For example, if you have a clogged storm drain, a contractor may be able to clear the blockage.
With the amount of stormwater that may build up seasonally, it may be inconvenient to try to keep up with your storm drain’s routine maintenance on your own.
In these cases, you can turn to Delaware Valley Septic, Sewer & Storm’s dewatering services and stormwater maintenance for your property’s drainage system. From monitoring to water prevention, we can handle any maintenance you require from us.
Our Stormwater Maintenance Services
A routine maintenance inspection can identify areas that may soon lead to a propensity for leaking pollutants, and several other concerns.
If you are ready to schedule your inspection, we are ready to accommodate you. Our experts at Delaware Valley Septic, Sewer & Storm are trusted sources for all your septic, sewer & stormwater systems in Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and all throughout the Delaware Valley area, and are professionals held to the highest standards. Contact us today.
