Top 5 Stormwater Pond Maintenance Mistakes That Cost HOAs in the Triad
By Dragonfly Pond Works – Stormwater Pond Maintenance & Compliance Experts Serving Greensboro, Winston-Salem & the NC Triad
Stormwater ponds and other stormwater control measures (SCMs) are essential infrastructure for HOAs and managed communities across Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and the surrounding Triad region. But even well-intentioned HOAs often overlook maintenance tasks that keep these systems functioning properly, and that oversight can be costly.
From unexpected repair bills to regulatory violations, these common mistakes can quickly turn a stormwater pond from a community feature into a financial liability.
Below are the top five stormwater maintenance pitfalls we see in the Triad, and how your HOA can avoid them.
1. Skipping Required Annual Stormwater Inspections
Annual SCM inspections aren’t optional, they’re required by municipal stormwater programs in Greensboro and Winston-Salem.
But many HOAs assume that because the pond “looks fine,” no inspection is needed.
Why it’s a problem:
Early signs of failure are often invisible to untrained observers
Missed inspections put your community at risk of costly Notices of Violation (NOVs)
Without documented reports, your HOA may be seen as non-compliant even if the pond is functional
The Triad sees a high number of violations triggered simply by missing reports, something entirely preventable with scheduled, professional inspections.
2. Ignoring Vegetation and Invasive Growth
Algae, aquatic weeds, grass, cattails, brush, and small trees can take over a stormwater pond quickly, especially in the Piedmont region where warm seasons promote rapid growth.
Why it’s a problem:
Overgrowth blocks inflow/outflow, limiting water movement
Excess vegetation creates habitat for mosquitoes
Dense plant growth reduces storage capacity and increases flooding risk
Roots damage outlet pipes, riser structures, and compromise dam stability
Unmanaged vegetation is one of the leading causes of SCM malfunction.
3. Allowing Sediment to Build Up Over Time
Stormwater ponds in Greensboro and Winston-Salem receive high sediment loads due to clay-heavy soils in the region. That sediment gradually fills the bottom of your pond.
Why it’s a problem:
Sediment reduces water depth and storage volume
It accelerates algae growth and poor water quality
Eventually, dredging becomes unavoidable, and it’s one of the costliest stormwater repairs
Sediment can bury outlet structures and clog risers, causing flooding
Routine sediment checks help HOAs avoid the sticker shock of major dredging projects.
4. Overlooking Bank Erosion and Shoreline Damage
Erosion silently eats away at stormwater pond embankments, often going unnoticed until a major storm exposes the problem.
Why it’s a problem:
Damaged slopes destabilize the entire system
Bare or eroded banks increase sediment entering the pond
Embankment failure creates liability and safety risks
Repairs become significantly more expensive the longer erosion continues
Solutions like turf management, riprap, native aquatic plants, or coir logs keep banks stable and slopes safe. This protects both residents and your infrastructure.
“Erosion isn’t just cosmetic, it’s structural. Addressing shoreline damage early prevents sediment loss, safety risks, and system failure.”
5. Failing to Document Maintenance and Repairs
One of the biggest pitfalls HOAs face is simply not documenting their work.
Why it’s a problem:
Greensboro and Winston-Salem stormwater divisions require proof of maintenance
No records = non-compliance, even if the pond is functioning
Missing documentation leads to repeat inspections (and repeat fees)
Without maintenance logs, HOAs lose continuity when boards or managers change
Good documentation protects your community and your budget.
How Dragonfly Pond Works Helps Triad HOAs Avoid These Pitfalls
Dragonfly Pond Works partners with HOAs, community managers, and property managers across the Triad to provide:
Annual inspections that satisfy municipal stormwater compliance requirements
Vegetation management to keep ponds safe and functional
Sediment monitoring and removal before major dredging is required
Shoreline and bank stabilization to prevent erosion and sedimentation
Complete documentation for every inspection and maintenance activity
We help your HOA prevent small issues from becoming large, unexpected expenses, while protecting your community’s compliance and long-term investment.
Your HOA’s Stormwater Pond Doesn’t Have to Become a Problem
Stormwater systems are designed to protect your community, but they only work when maintained proactively. If you’ve spotted any of these pitfalls (or aren’t sure what condition your pond is in), now is the perfect time for a professional assessment.
👉 Request a Stormwater Site Assessment today:
https://www.dragonflypondworks.com/stormwater-management-greensboro
Our Greensboro/Winston-Salem team is ready to help you stay compliant, prepared, and protected.
Stormwater Pond Routine Maintenance, Compliance Repairs, Reconstructions, & More
Learn about our stormwater corrective repair and reconstruction capabilities available across Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and beyond. Read our Stormwater Pond Compliance Guide for Greensboro HOAs keep you stormwater devices healthy, compliant, and aesthetically pleasing.
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Dragonfly Pond Works provides specialized pond and stormwater maintenance services, reconstruction, compliance repairs, and more in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Wilmington, North Carolina, Greenville, Spartanburg, Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Tampa, Sarasota, Naples, Fort Myers, Florida, Atlanta, Athens, Georgia, DC Metro, Alexandria, Arlington, Northern Virginia, and Rockville, Gaithersburg, and surrounding Maryland.