A conveyance system is primarily made up of catch basins, pipes, ditches, and manholes. No two systems are alike and a helpful tool for understanding what’s underground is the Surface Water Maps stormwater layer. Private conveyance systems will require routine inspection and maintenance for proper efficiency. Beginning an inspection program is an important part of owning a conveyance line.

Smaller systems include gutters, roof drains, downspouts, and yard drains. It is common for the household systems to directly tie into the street system and the water is then conveyed downstream to the neighborhood’s flow control/water quality facility.

In addition to conventional conveyance lines (catch basins, pipes, ditches) many commercial and residential developments have a flow control and/or water quality facility component. Knowing who is responsible for maintenance is critical to the function of the facility. If a residential development has a Homeowner’s Association, it is likely that maintenance responsibility lies with them. If not, it is also common to see the facility responsibility shared equally between the property owners who directly benefit from it.

For tips and general maintenance guidelines see the Private Stormwater Facility Maintenance Management Guide.