The Costs of Not Maintaining a Stormwater Facility

Are you responsible for maintaining your property’s stormwater facility? You may be concerned about the costs of preventative maintenance, but rest assured that keeping it flowing smoothly is a cost-effective investment. The real costs lie in not maintaining the facility. Consider the dangers of letting a stormwater facility go unmaintained for too long.

Unnecessary Repairs

Skipping maintenance or neglecting established best practices could cause your stormwater facility to fall into disrepair. For instance:

• Dumping leaves, grass clippings, soil, or trash into a storm inlet can clog the facility’s components.
• Leaving pet waste in the grassy area near a facility can allow disease-causing, oxygen-consuming bacteria to enter the system.
• Over-fertilizing lawns can lead to chemical runoff, which shortens the life span of storm drain components.
• Leaving bare areas unstabilized can lead to soil erosion that quickly clogs a stormwater facility.
• Disposing of paint, motor oil, antifreeze, grease, or other hazardous materials greatly increases maintenance costs. It also kills aquatic vegetation and plant life, making it a criminal offense with steep fines.

You may save a little money today by neglecting your stormwater facility. However, this decision will cost you in the long run by increasing the costs and frequency of unnecessary repairs. The longer you wait to address a developing problem, the more it will cost to fix.

Higher Risk of Flooding & Erosion

In urban settings, rainwater flows across hard surfaces and directly into storm drains. This is different from natural environments, where rain soaks gradually into the earth. Urban runoff can cause flooding, erosion, and infrastructure damage. In fact, one primary purpose of stormwater facilities is to prevent such problems.

If your storm drains become clogged, they can’t work as intended, putting your property at risk of costly water damage during torrential rainfall. In this way, stormwater facility maintenance acts as a form of flood insurance.

Increased Water Pollution

It is a common misconception that storm drains lead to a water treatment plant. In reality, they flow directly into streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Failure to maintain your stormwater facility can increase the amount of debris, chemicals, bacteria, sediment, and other pollutants in these natural bodies of water. This may not directly impact your finances, but it carries a high environmental cost.

Storm & Sanitary Sewer System Overflow

Several types of stormwater facilities are designed to hold excess rainwater, and careful capacity calculations are required to avoid overflow. The same is true for sanitary sewer systems. Stormwater runoff may not pass through treatment plants, but the sewer system itself could overflow if stormwater management systems aren’t implemented and maintained correctly. It’s not difficult to imagine the costs associated with cleaning up an overflowed sewer system, which you can avoid with routine stormwater facility maintenance.

Noncompliance with Environmental Regulations

Federal, state, and local water quality regulations are becoming increasingly stringent these days. You may receive a notice of violation for improper site preparation, failure to adjust to changing water runoff patterns, and neglected maintenance. You must make stormwater management a priority to avoid fines and penalties associated with regulatory noncompliance.

Understanding Stormwater Maintenance Costs: A Wise Investment

When it comes to stormwater facility maintenance, understanding the costs is crucial for budgeting and long-term planning. Although the initial expense of routine maintenance may seem daunting, it is a small price to pay compared to the potential costs of neglect. Here’s why investing in regular stormwater maintenance is both smart and cost-effective:

Cost Savings Through Preventative Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps prevent costly repairs by addressing minor issues before they escalate. For example, a routine cleaning of storm drains can prevent blockages that might otherwise lead to expensive emergency repairs.

Long-Term Financial Benefits

Neglected facilities can lead to severe issues like flooding or environmental damage, which can result in hefty repair bills, legal fines, and increased insurance premiums. By prioritizing regular maintenance, you minimize these risks and protect your financial investment in the property.

Budget-Friendly Solutions

At iSTORMWATER, we offer cost-effective maintenance plans tailored to meet your specific needs and budget. Our services are designed to provide maximum value while keeping your stormwater systems in optimal condition. By working with us, you gain access to expert services that help you manage and predict maintenance costs effectively.

Enhanced Property Value

Properly maintained stormwater systems not only reduce operational costs but also enhance the overall value of your property. Potential buyers and tenants will appreciate the reliability of a well-maintained facility, which can lead to a higher property value and more attractive rental or sale opportunities.

Compliance and Avoidance of Fines

Staying compliant with environmental regulations can prevent unexpected costs associated with fines and penalties. Regular maintenance ensures that your stormwater facility meets all regulatory requirements, helping you avoid costly violations and legal troubles.

Choose iSTORMWATER for Stormwater Facility Maintenance

A neglected stormwater facility can become a constant financial drain. On the other hand, taking proper care of it should result in reliable performance and minimal maintenance costs over the years.

iSTORMWATER provides the cost-effective services you seek. We tackle stormwater facility maintenance, so you don’t have to! We have over 20 years of industry experience and back everything we do with our iSTORMWATER guarantee. Whether you’re hoping to keep your well-maintained facility in optimal shape or you need help resolving compliance issues, we’re here for you.

Please call iSTORMWATER at (410) 231-3455 or contact us online to schedule stormwater facility maintenance in MD, DC, or VA.