Owner's Guide to Infiltration

Infiltration practices, such as bioretention devices and infiltration basins, are a common requirement of stormwater management permits. These practices can vary in size and appearance, but they are all designed to trap and pond water while it slowly seeps into the soil. To prevent failure, infiltration practices require extra care while being constructed and continual maintenance. If an infiltration practice is located on your property, the recommendations below should be followed to prolong their life and reduce the potential for more expensive maintenance or rebuilds in the future.

• Identify the type(s) of practices on the property, how they are intended to function, desired vegetation, and expected maintenance tasks.
• Require that your engineer be on-site during construction of infiltration practice to verify soil types, backfill materials, and inspect the construction process.
• Locate infiltration practices and determine how best to access them for future maintenance.

• Recommend that the contractor read and follow the Infiltration Practice Construction document.
• Ask that infiltration practices be constructed after the site is vegetated to prevent the practice from failing prematurely due to construction runoff.
• Request that the contractor document each phase of construction with photos and provide receipts of materials used.

• Reference the deed-recorded stormwater maintenance agreement for legal obligations and specific maintenance measures.
• Inspect practices frequently to identify any problems and perform any necessary corrective actions in a timely manner. Growth of cattails, invasive species, or standing water 2 to 3 days after rain are indications that the practice is not functioning properly.
• Keep records of all maintenance activities. Check with local municipality if regular reporting is required.

Maintenance of infiltration practices is the responsibility of the property owner and are subject to inspection and orders for repairs. By following this guidance and performing regular maintenance, the life span of your infiltration practice may be extended.