Explaining Stormwater BMPs to Tenants & HOAs

Stormwater management is a crucial responsibility for homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and property managers, especially in communities with shared stormwater infrastructure. Many tenants and HOA members may not fully understand how stormwater best management practices (BMPs) work or why they matter. Educating them on BMPs can improve compliance, reduce maintenance costs, and protect the local environment.

What Are Stormwater BMPs?

Stormwater BMPs are strategies, structures, or practices designed to manage the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff. These practices help control erosion, filter pollutants, and reduce flooding. BMPs can be classified into two main categories:

• Structural BMPs – Physical systems such as retention ponds, permeable pavement, bioretention areas, and underground detention systems.
• Non-structural BMPs – Policies, procedures, and behavioral practices, such as proper landscaping techniques, waste disposal guidelines, and public education programs.

Why Should Tenants & HOAs Care About Stormwater BMPs?

Stormwater runoff can carry pollutants like oil, fertilizers, pesticides, and debris into local waterways, negatively impacting water quality and increasing the risk of flooding. By following BMPs, communities can:

• Reduce flooding risks by maintaining proper drainage systems.
• Improve water quality by minimizing pollutants in runoff.
• Lower maintenance costs by preventing clogged drains and infrastructure damage.
• Stay compliant with local stormwater regulations to avoid potential fines.

Common Stormwater BMPs in Residential Communities

1. Retention & Detention Ponds

These ponds collect and slowly release stormwater, reducing peak runoff and allowing pollutants to settle. Proper landscaping and routine maintenance help ensure their effectiveness.

2. Rain Gardens & Bioretention Areas

These landscaped depressions capture and filter stormwater through plants and soil, removing pollutants before the water infiltrates the ground.

3. Permeable Pavement

Unlike traditional pavement, permeable surfaces allow rainwater to seep through, reducing runoff and helping to recharge groundwater supplies.

4. Vegetated Swales

These shallow, sloped channels use grass and plants to slow down runoff and filter out pollutants before the water enters storm drains.

5. Proper Landscaping & Lawn Care

Residents should minimize pesticide and fertilizer use, maintain natural buffer zones near water bodies, and compost yard waste instead of blowing leaves into storm drains.

6. Pet Waste Disposal

Encouraging residents to clean up after their pets prevents harmful bacteria from entering stormwater systems.

How HOAs & Property Managers Can Educate Tenants

To foster community involvement in stormwater management, HOAs and property managers could:

• Distribute educational materials through newsletters, emails, and community websites.
• Host workshops or meetings to discuss BMPs and their benefits.
• Install signage near retention ponds, rain gardens, and other BMPs to explain their function.
• Encourage resident participation in community clean-ups and landscaping initiatives.

Partner With a Stormwater Management Professional

HOAs and property managers don’t have to handle stormwater BMPs alone. Partnering with an experienced stormwater management company ensures BMPs are properly designed, installed, and maintained. iSTORMWATER provides expert solutions to help both commercial properties and residential communities meet stormwater compliance requirements while maintaining attractive, functional outdoor spaces.

By understanding and implementing stormwater BMPs, tenants and HOA members can contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable community. If your property needs expert stormwater solutions, contact iSTORMWATER today!

Call iSTORMWATER at (410) 231-3455 or contact us online today to learn how we can help.