Why Stormwater Systems Matter for Your HOA's Future
When it comes to community associations—whether HOAs, townhomes, or condos—there’s more than meets the eye. While buildings, pools, and other visible amenities often take center stage, one essential, often overlooked component is the stormwater system. This system controls water runoff, helps prevent flooding, and protects community infrastructure. Including the stormwater system in your association’s reserve study is critical to avoid costly repairs down the line. In fact, an estimated 85% to 90% of associations responsible for underground drainage pipes do not set aside adequate reserves for this hidden but essential system.
What Makes Up a Stormwater System?
Stormwater systems have multiple components, each with a role in effectively managing water flow and protecting community assets.
Road gutters – Positioned along roads, gutters guide water into the stormwater system.
Grates and catch basins – These collect debris while letting water into the drainage system.
Culverts – Large pipes or channels under roads allow water to pass through safely.
Drainage pipes – These transport stormwater from surfaces like roads and rooftops to disposal areas.
Retention ponds or basins – These structures capture excess water during heavy rainfall, slowly releasing it to prevent flooding.
Detention ponds – These are different from retention ponds in that detention ponds are designed to drain water out, whereas retention ponds are designed to hold water for extended periods.
Who’s Responsible for the Stormwater System?
Responsibility for parts of a stormwater system varies by community, with some sections managed by local authorities and others falling under the association’s care. Increasingly, local governments require developers to pass stormwater maintenance responsibilities to the HOA or community association, helping reduce strain on public resources. If your association’s responsibility isn’t clearly outlined, the first step is to clarify which parts of the system are under your care.
Why Add Stormwater Systems to Reserve Studies?
Reserve studies help associations budget for future repairs and replacements. Including stormwater systems in these studies is critical because they wear down over time, even if they're out of sight. Ignoring stormwater infrastructure could lead to significant, costly issues like flooding or structural damage. In severe cases, collapsed pipes could cause serious damage, including blocked water flow, erosion, sinkholes, and even hazardous conditions. Over time, the cost of repairs grows, which could result in multi-million dollar expenses for the community if left unchecked.
Regular Cleaning and Inspections Are Key
If your association is responsible for stormwater infrastructure, regular cleaning and inspections should be part of your maintenance routine. Pipes can become clogged with debris and sediment, especially after storms. Regular cleaning keeps things flowing smoothly, while inspections can catch early signs of wear, blockages, or corrosion that often go unnoticed underground. These inspections require specialized equipment and expertise to estimate the lifespan and replacement costs of each component.
Why Hire Third-Party Specialists?
Stormwater systems are complex, and it’s often necessary to hire third-party specialists for a thorough inspection. Using robotic cameras, these experts can inspect pipes without invasive digging. They can also help create maintenance plans and identify repairs that may not be visible to reserve analysts. The HOA bears ultimate responsibility for engaging these specialists, particularly for components like underground piping that are crucial to the system’s function.
Proactive Steps: Integrating Stormwater Systems into Reserve Studies
Currently, only 10-15% of associations hire specialists to assess stormwater systems—often realizing the importance only after costly repairs arise. Including a stormwater assessment in your regular reserve study can help identify potential risks early and allow for proper funding. By working with reserve analysts and stormwater specialists, you can incorporate these assessments into your budget planning, reducing the risk of unexpected large assessments.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Community with Smart Planning
Stormwater systems might be out of sight, but they shouldn’t be out of mind. By including them in your reserve studies and bringing in specialists for inspections, your association can identify and address issues early, helping to prevent expensive repairs and protect community property and infrastructure. Investing in regular maintenance provides peace of mind and safeguards your community for the long term.
