Drainage Systems Maintenance

How Drainage Affects Flood Prevention

Flood prevention efforts depend on the community's cooperation and assistance. Grass clippings, branches, leaves, debris, and trash can accumulate and block natural and man-made drainage channels. For example, a plugged drainage channel, catch basin, ditch, detention pond, or drainage pipe cannot carry water away from your property during heavy rainfall events.

Every piece of trash and debris in the drainage system contributes to flooding. If your property is next to a drainage ditch, catch basin, detention pond or any other drainage system please do your part to keep the area clear of brush and debris.

If you see dumping or major blockages such as downed trees in drainage areas, contact the Public Works Department at 843-913-6360.

Did You Know the Town Has a "No Dumping" Ordinance?

Sec. 14-56. - Prohibitions and illicit connections.

  1. Prohibitions.
    1. It is unlawful for any person, company, corporation, etc., to throw, drain, run, or otherwise discharge to any component of the town's stormwater system, including streets, highways, rights-of-way, or to cause, permit or suffer to be thrown, drain, run, or allow to seep or otherwise discharge into such system, any organic or inorganic matter that shall cause or tend to cause pollution or blockages to such waters, as provided for in this article.
    2. In the event of an accidental discharge to the town drainage system of any material or substance other than stormwater runoff, the person concerned shall inform the town building department immediately of the nature, quantity and time of occurrence of the discharge. The person concerned shall take immediate steps to contain, treat or take other actions to minimize the effects of the discharge on the town drainage system and receiving streams. The person shall also take immediate steps to ensure no recurrence of the discharge.
  2. Illicit connections.
    1. It is unlawful for any person, company, corporation, etc., to connect any pipe, open channel, or any other conveyance system to the town drainage system that discharges anything except stormwater discharges that are identified on the approved stormwater management and sediment control plan.
    2. Improper connections in violation of this article must be disconnected and redirected to an acceptable outlet, as approved by the director of public works.