A stormwater system, like a dry or wet retention/detention pond, is a tool for managing the runoff that results from rainfall. These systems need to be maintained in order to keep them functioning correctly to help flooding and water quality concerns.
Maintenance Responsibility
The responsibility for maintenance depends on who owns the system. In Florida, the responsibility for permitting stormwater systems rests with the water management districts. After developers complete construction of permitted systems in residential areas, the permit and the legal responsibility for maintaining these systems are typically passed on to a homeowners association.
Homeowners Association
At that point the homeowners association becomes responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the system. The homeowners association is responsible for labor and financially for keeping the system functional.
If the homeowner’s association is no longer active then the property owner’s utilizing that stormwater management system become responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the system. This responsibility applies to every homeowner in the neighborhood, whether or not they live adjacent to a detention or retention basin, as everyone’s storm water flows into the basin.
For More Information
For more information on how to properly maintain your stormwater system please visit the St. John’s River Water Management District website.