Stormwater Pond Maintenance Checklist for Tampa Post-Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton has left many properties in Tampa struggling with stormwater system damage and pond maintenance issues. After such a significant storm, it's crucial to assess the condition of your stormwater systems and ponds to prevent further problems like flooding and erosion. Tampa facility managers, pond owners, and property managers should focus on key tasks like pond maintenance after the hurricane, inspecting stormwater device health, and stormwater pond repair. Proper and timely assessments will help restore the functionality of these systems and protect your property from long-term damage.

Post-Hurricane Milton: Tampa Stormwater Maintenance Checklist

• Inspect water entry and exit points in your pond or stormwater system: Water entry and exit points like risers, inlets, outlets, and spillways are essential for effective stormwater management in Tampa. After a hurricane, debris or vegetation may block these areas. Regular inspection ensures that water can flow freely, preventing flooding and ensuring proper stormwater system function

• Examine catch basins and storm drains: Post-hurricane, catch basins and drains can become clogged with sediment and debris. In Tampa, this can cause severe blockages in stormwater ponds, leading to localized flooding and reduced system efficiency. Ensuring the stormwater system remains clear is critical for ensuring system integrity and preventing future issues

• Inspect for displaced riprap: Riprap, often used along shorelines, spillways, and inlets, helps prevent erosion. Hurricane winds and floodwaters can displace riprap. Tampa stormwater pond owners should check for displaced rocks to maintain shoreline protection and stability

• Check for accumulated sediment within the pond: Heavy storms, like Hurricane Milton, can wash large amounts of sediment into ponds, reducing their depth and impairing water quality. Tampa property owners and facility managers should assess whether sediment removal or dredging is necessary as part of post-hurricane pond maintenance to restore stormwater management capabilities

• Look for signs of erosion: Erosion is a common problem after hurricanes, especially near Tampa’s coastal ponds and stormwater systems. If erosion is left unchecked, it can lead to bank destabilization and sedimentation issues. Erosion control and shoreline restoration should be a priority to maintain a healthy stormwater pond

• Assess changes in vegetation: Hurricanes can damage aquatic plants that are vital for healthy ponds and stormwater systems, and oftentimes part of the engineered design. Tampa property owners should evaluate vegetation around ponds and wetlands and make a plant for replanting if necessary

• Evaluate water quality, particularly salinity levels: Storm surges and hurricanes can cause salinity levels in freshwater ponds to rise, especially near Tampa’s coastal areas. Elevated salinity can harm aquatic life. Conducting water quality tests post-hurricane is important to determine if water conditions have changed and if your stormwater system needs attention

• Monitor bacteria levels due to runoff: Runoff from Hurricane Milton can increase bacteria levels in ponds and stormwater systems. This is particularly concerning for non-stormwater ponds that are typically not designed to handle large volumes of runoff. Tampa pond owners and managers should monitor bacteria levels and consider professional help for stormwater system repairs. Bacteria can be harmful to humans, wildlife, and vegetation, so people and pets should avoid contaminated water

• Look for changes in wildlife: Flooding from hurricanes can displace fish and introduce invasive species into ponds and lakes. Tampa pond owners should monitor wildlife closely and consider restocking fish to restore balance in the ecosystem as part of their pond maintenance after the hurricane

Properly assessing and maintaining your stormwater systems and ponds after a Hurricane, such as Milton, is vital to prevent long-term damage and ensure effective stormwater management. Tampa pond owners and property managers should focus on pond maintenance after a hurricane, inspecting for erosion, sediment buildup, and riprap displacement, as well as checking water quality and vegetation. If you need help with stormwater system assessment, maintenance, or repair, our team is ready to assist with expert solutions customized to Tampa’s unique stormwater management needs. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs.

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Dragonfly Pond Works provides specialized pond and stormwater management, compliance repairs, maintenance, and more in Tampa, Sarasota, Naples, Fort Myers, Florida, Greenville, Spartanburg, Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte, Greensboro, and Wilmington, North Carolina, Atlanta, Athens, Georgia, DC Metro, Alexandria, Arlington, Northern Virginia, and Rockville, Gaithersburg, and surrounding Maryland.