Standing Water - Drainage Problems

Does anyone know where I can find the rules/laws/regulations (whatever they are) about standing water in my yard. We have a swamp & mold and it's just a big sloppy mess. Of course, the builder (M&S) says the grade "isn't too bad" and is partly blaming my neighbor for watering his lawn. Sorry, M&S, but my neighbor has a right to a green yard like everyone else! I'm so tired of the soothing and smooth-talking. It doesn't work for me and I won't fall for it. I need some ammo to get them to fix this big problem! Thanks!

 

If the neighbor is watering the lawn to create pools of water on your area, that's too much water. If there are pools of water after the past two weeks of no rain, then that is definitely too much water, although after last night's storms, there's probably water standing everywhere.

I'm not sure if there is a rule about grading and standing water, there is about excessive runnoff into streams from overwatering. In any case, I'd check www.loudoun.gov and start searching there.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

We had mold long before the neighbor started watering. And, he's certainly not watering in excess. It's just worse now that he's started watering. I know Fairfax Co. has rules so I was hoping Loudoun did as well. Also, our neighbors yard is about a foot higher then ours. So everything just sits in our yard and doesn't run off. Anyway...I sure hope it can be fixed soon. We don't want to start our deck & patio until it's taken care of. Plus, the kids can't play out back anymore.

 

If water is standing 24 hours after a rain, the County (typically) requires the builder to regrade the yard. You may want to call the County's Dept of Building and Development and talk to Erosion and Sediment Control. They can help you out. As Neil said, check out www.loudoun.gov for the phone #, etc...

DcD

 

They are tearing up my back yard as I type! But, thanks for the information. I will keep this post handy in case they don't fix it properly. I've been told by they are going to suggest to M&S that a drain go in the neighbors yard as well.

 

Is is a final grading ?? Are they regrading all the yards ??



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

I seriously doubt they'll regrade all the yards. They seem to only fix stuff after someone complains over and over and then basically has to threaten them. That was the only way I got them to replace my granite countertops they broke...still waiting for an installation date. They did do the end unit on my row and part of the yard next to that one a couple/few weeks ago.

 

Forgot to add, they supposedly put in a tile down between the M&S and VM THs at the same time they did the end unit. It appears (and I took pictures) that it's not working properly and that some of the water that is supposed to drain is also making its way into our yard.

 

Have you actually worked with the dept of building and development? Just asking because I guess I'm going to give them a call in the morning. The grading is supposedly done but it's already failed. There are puddles out back already. The tile along the back (beyond our fences) is obviously not done correct either. I took a walk out there and it's like quick sand under the grass. Also, they used some of the old soil to regrade our lawn and it smells like a swamp...really repulsive! There is no way I'm allowing them to lay down more sod until it's completely correct. They really need to add a drain in the neighbor's yard because the our problem will never be fixed until that's done, too. UGH! Sorry to whine! It's upsetting.