How Homeowners Can Help Mitigate Flooding 

by Dick Wildermann July 2022

The Seabrook Island Property Owners Association and the Club are responsible for  maintaining and upgrading the island’s stormwater management system. However,  property owners can also help mitigate the effects of flooding from storms and king  tides. 

Nature plays an important role in mitigating floods. When water from heavy rainstorms  or king tides runs rapidly onto our roads, it can temporarily overload the stormwater  drainage system and cause flooding that may restrict vehicle traffic. But by maintaining  natural areas on our properties, we can slow runoff. There are nature-based solutions  that lessen the rate of runoff and allow more of the water to soak into the ground while  also allowing the remaining surface water to drain gradually after the storm or high tide  has passed.  

Some properties may be suitable for establishing a rain garden in low areas. A rain  garden is a shallow basin made up of native perennials, shrubs, and flowers that  collects and absorbs runoff. In addition to providing a level of flood mitigation, a rain  garden can be aesthetically attractive and benefits our wildlife. 

Natural woodlands have more water-absorbing capacity than lawns, so it helps to  maintain as many native trees and shrubs, and as much natural ground cover as  possible. Tree roots improve soil porosity and also soak up water, some of which then  evaporates from the leaves. This process, called transpiration, continues to reduce  stormwater stored in the soil long after a rainfall event ends. An additional benefit is the  cooling effect of the tree canopy.  

Seabrook’s extensive wetlands play an important role as buffers and sponges to reduce  flooding. Owners of marsh front properties can help maintain the quality of our wetlands  by protecting the natural vegetation along the marsh edge. 

Permeable surfaces improve infiltration and slow runoff. SIPOA limits the amount of  impervious surfaces permitted on a property. However, homeowners can use additional  porous materials such as pervious concrete, interlocking pavers, or gravel for driveways  to further slow runoff. 

Before beginning any alterations on their property, homeowners should be sure they are  in compliance with SIPOA policies and procedures.