Fall Stormwater Maintenance Checklist for Property Managers

As the leaves change and temperatures drop, stormwater systems across the Mid-Atlantic face new seasonal challenges. Fall is one of the most important times of year to inspect, clean, and maintain your property’s stormwater facilities.

For commercial property managers in Maryland, Washington, D.C., northern Virginia, and Delaware, proactive maintenance now can help prevent flooding, erosion, and compliance issues later.

Here’s what to look for as you prepare your property for the months ahead.

Why Fall Maintenance Is Critical

When autumn arrives, stormwater systems work harder than usual. Here’s why:

• Falling leaves and debris: Leaves and twigs can clog inlets, grates, and pipes, reducing flow and increasing flood risk.
• Frequent rain events: Fall storms and early winter precipitation can overload poorly maintained systems.
• Seasonal transitions: Freezing temperatures can damage infrastructure already weakened by debris or erosion.
• Compliance obligations: Regular inspection and maintenance are required under local and state stormwater permits.

By scheduling fall maintenance, you protect your property, extend the life of your stormwater system, and keep your site in compliance with state and municipal requirements.

Your Fall Stormwater Maintenance Checklist

1. Clear Inlets, Grates, and Catch Basins

Leaves, trash, and sediment tend to collect at storm drain inlets during fall. When debris builds up, water can’t enter the system efficiently – leading to ponding or localized flooding.

• Remove debris from grates and sumps.
• Inspect for cracks or structural damage.
• Check that water drains properly during or after a rain event.
• Record cleaning dates and sediment depth for compliance tracking.

Pro tip: Catch basins should be cleaned when sediment reaches about one-third of the sump depth.

2. Inspect Pipes, Culverts, and Swales

Your system’s conveyance network keeps stormwater moving. Even minor blockages or erosion can cause downstream problems.

• Inspect open channels, culverts, and swales for debris or erosion.
• Remove sediment, vegetation, and blockages.
• Confirm outfalls discharge freely without pooling or washouts.
• Schedule professional jetting or vactoring if buildup is excessive.

3. Maintain Stormwater Ponds

Retention and detention ponds play a key role in controlling runoff and filtering pollutants – but only when they’re maintained.

• Remove leaves, floating debris, and trash from the water surface and banks.
• Inspect banks for erosion or bare soil and re-establish vegetation where needed.
• Check outlet structures, risers, and trash racks for clogs or damage.
• Evaluate sediment accumulation – fall is a good time to plan dredging if capacity is reduced.
• Trim and maintain native vegetation while removing invasives.

Tip: Healthy vegetation around pond edges stabilizes soil and improves pollutant removal.

4. Check Bioretention Areas, Rain Gardens, and Swales

Vegetated systems capture and filter runoff – but leaves can smother these areas quickly in autumn.

• Rake away leaf buildup to maintain infiltration.
• Refresh mulch if it’s compacted or thinning.
• Replace dead or unhealthy plants.
• Verify underdrains and overflow structures are clear and functional.

5. Sweep Parking Lots and Clean Roof Drains

Runoff from impervious surfaces carries sediment and organic matter into your stormwater system. Keeping these surfaces clear reduces maintenance downstream.

• Sweep parking lots and curbs regularly to prevent leaf accumulation.
• Clear debris from roof drains, scuppers, and gutters.
• Inspect and clean oil/water separators or insert filters where installed.

6. Review Documentation and Compliance

A thorough record of inspections and maintenance activities supports compliance with regional requirements.

• Update your stormwater maintenance log or O&M plan.
• Record debris removal, sediment volumes, and repair dates.
• Ensure all components meet local standards set by MDE, DOEE, VADEQ, or DNREC.
• Plan larger repairs or pond dredging for winter or early spring.

Regional Considerations for the Mid-Atlantic

• Maryland: Counties like Montgomery and Anne Arundel require annual stormwater inspections and documentation.
• D.C.: The Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) emphasizes maintenance of post-construction BMPs to protect the Anacostia and Potomac watersheds.
• Northern Virginia: Seasonal leaf drop and freeze-thaw cycles increase erosion and sediment movement – make sure slopes and embankments are stable.
• Delaware: DNREC’s stormwater program ties compliance to regular facility upkeep and documentation for credit eligibility.

By addressing maintenance now, you ensure your stormwater infrastructure performs effectively through the wet, cold months ahead.

Schedule Fall Maintenance with iSTORMWATER

iSTORMWATER provides comprehensive stormwater maintenance and inspection services throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., northern Virginia, and Delaware. Our team – including an in-house stormwater engineer – ensures your systems remain compliant, functional, and ready for the seasons ahead.

Whether you manage an office park, retail center, industrial site, or government facility, we can:

• Inspect and clean catch basins and inlets
• Remove debris and sediment from ponds and swales
• Stabilize eroded banks and slopes
• Perform all aboveground and belowground stormwater maintenance
• Document all work for compliance records

Protect Your Property Before Winter

A little proactive maintenance goes a long way in preventing costly repairs and keeping your stormwater system performing year-round.

Contact iSTORMWATER today to schedule your Fall Stormwater Maintenance Inspection and keep your property in top shape through the changing seasons.

📞 Serving Maryland, D.C., northern Virginia, and Delaware. Call us at (410) 231-3455 or 💬 Contact us online.