HOA Drainage 101
HOA drainage refers to the systems that control how water moves through the community. This usually includes things like grading, gutters, drains, irrigation, and stormwater systems.
When everything is working properly, water flows away from homes, sidewalks, and shared spaces.
But when drainage systems fail, you’ll start to notice warning signs like:
But why does this happen?
Most drainage issues boil down to a few common culprits:
- Poor grading that directs water toward buildings
- Clogged gutters or drains that overflow
- Overwatered lawns that stay soggy
- Runoff crossing property lines, leading to neighbor disputes
- Or a combination of these issues
Now you may be wondering, if you run into an issue, who should pay for it? Here's the breakdown.
Now that we know who should be responsible, it's time to fix it!
If your board suspects a drainage issue, start by identifying the source, documenting the problem, and bringing in a licensed contractor or engineer. Then review your governing documents to confirm who’s responsible. If it’s the HOA, prioritize repairs based on how severe the issue is.
Some fixes are simple:
- Redirecting downspouts
- Clearing debris from drains or gutters
Bigger issues might require:
- French drains
- Dry wells
- Redesigning slopes or grading
If major work is needed, be sure to include the cost in your reserve study and explore any available local funding or rebates.
But don’t wait until you see a problem!
Preventing issues is always cheaper than fixing them. Walk your property after a big rain, make sure gutters and storm drains are cleared regularly, and remind homeowners not to block drainage paths or install hardscape without approval.
Key Definitions that might help:
Grading: The slope or angle of the land is designed to direct water away from buildings and shared spaces.
French Drain: An underground drainage system that uses gravel and a perforated pipe to redirect surface water or groundwater away from specific areas.
Dry Well: A buried structure that collects and disperses unwanted water into the ground, allowing it to soak away slowly.
Stormwater System: Infrastructure designed to manage rainwater runoff, preventing flooding and erosion in developed areas.
