Like homes, ponds require regular maintenance.

For a stormwater pond to function properly, regular maintenance is needed.  Deferred or ignored maintenance can result in costly repairs, and those costs are usually absorbed by the homeowner’s directly or through a homeowner’s association. 

When ponds stop functioning properly, they pose an increased risk of flooding to your neighborhood or those downstream. 

Basin Environmental has worked with several Oklahoma Homeowner’s Associations to inspect and repair problematic ponds. The most common causes of pond problems include

• Overgrown grass and brush which prevents water from entering or leaving the pond
• Large trees in or around the pond can reduce storage and undermine the integrity of the berm around the pond
• Spillways get clogged with trash or fall victim to natural enemies like beavers.
• Improper silt fencing in new construction results in excess sediment, reducing pond capacity
• Grass clippings and other trash build up in storm drains, causing blockage and other issues.
• Improper runoff washes out culverts, bridges and similar structures, making them unstable. 

How can a neighborhood prevent expensive pond or drainage repairs?

We all know that our vehicles and homes require regular maintenance. Maintenance improves performance, lowers operating costs and reduces the risk of costly breakdowns. 

The need for regular pond maintenance may not be as visible as that for cars and homes, but it is equally critical. A good pond maintenance program includes:

• Regular inspections
• Inspections after heavy rainfall
• Regular grass cutting and brush removal
• Trees in or around pond are removed or properly trimmed
• Trash is not allowed to collect in drainage or pond areas
• Spillways are kept clear of any blockage
• Silt fences are properly used around new construction
• Signs of damage are identified early and repaired quickly

Many homeowner’s associations hire local landscaping companies to address common maintenance items like grass cutting, but without a comprehensive program to address all issues, HOA’s could still end up with larger pond problems.

Comprehensive HOA Maintenance Programs

As an environmental service company, Basin Environmental HOA maintenance services deliver more than your typical lawn maintenance company. As part of a maintenance plan, our crews can ensure your common spaces not only look good, but the ponds and drainage systems receive proper attention to mitigate flood risk and avoid high cost repairs. Learn more at https://www.basinenvironmental.com/environmental-services-for-oklahoma-hoas



About Basin Environmental

Since 2003, Basin Environmental & Safety Technologies, headquartered in Oklahoma City, has provided affordable, comprehensive, environmental services to businesses and homeowner’s associations across Oklahoma and beyond.