About Us
The mission of the Stormwater Management (SWM) division is to advance the quality of life for the citizens of Howard County through the improvement and management of the quality and quantity of water that originates in, falls onto, or passes through the county on its way to the Chesapeake Bay.
The Stormwater Management division will accomplish our mission by
- communicating to the public the value of clean water and the ways they can personally improve water quality,
- monitoring and maintaining our public and private storm water facilities,
- planning, implementing, and maintaining a program for good water resource management,
- partnering with individuals, citizen volunteers, local environmental groups, businesses, schools, and other government agencies in an effort to promote beneficial water quality management,
- responding to public inquiries and complaints in a courteous and timely manner, and
- evaluating and implementing technologies consistent with stormwater best management practices (BMP's)
Who should I contact?
I'm concerned about stream erosion on my property.
Report a stream erosion issue.
There's a stormwater management facility that needs maintenance.
Please contact John Slater.
I'm concerned about excessive aquatic vegetation in stormwater management ponds (duck weed, algae, etc.).
Please contact John Slater.
I observed illicit discharges or dumping into local streams or inlets.
If it is an emergency that requires immediate response, please call 911.
If you see anything other than storm water flowing onto street surfaces or entering the County storm drain system, please report it immediately.
I'm concerned about a potential zoning or development violation.
The Department of Planning and Zoning's Code Enforcement Office ensures compliance with Howard County Zoning Regulations, Subdivision and Land Development Regulations, Ellicott City Historic District Guidelines, and Lawyers Hill Historic District Guidelines. Any person who is aggrieved by an alleged violation may request in writing that the Department of Planning and Zoning issue a Violation Notice. Requests must be made in writing.
County staff is available to assist residents one-on-one with floodplain, flood protection, flood insurance, and drainage questions through the Bureau of Environmental Services, Stormwater Management Division, 9801 Broken Land Parkway, Columbia, MD 21046. Contact the Stormwater Management Division at DoIFlood@HowardCountyMD.gov or call 410-313-6444 during normal business hours.
I have excessive surface water flowing through my property.
Please contact the Construction Inspection Division.
My sump pump is continuously flowing.
- Check that your downspouts are directed away from your foundation.
- If you suspect there may be a broken water line, contact the Bureau of Utilities.
- If the groundwater table is high, contact the Howard Soil Conservation District to learn about your property’s soil conditions.
I have a sinkhole.
- If related to storm drain infrastructure, contact the Bureau of Highways.
- If related to the water or sanitary line, contact the Bureau of Utilities.
- All other inquiries, contact the Howard Soil Conservation District regarding groundwater and soil conditions.
- If the property is private property, contact the Construction Inspection Division, the Office of Community Sustainability, and/or the Howard Soil Conservation District.
- If the property is County Open Space, contact the Department of Recreation and Parks.
- If the property belongs to Columbia Association, contact Columbia Association.
- If the issue is associated with storm drain infrastructure and is in a County drainage easement, contact the Bureau of Highways.
I have poor drainage in my neighborhood.
Please contact the Construction Inspection Division
There is poor drainage along a roadway.
Contact the Bureau of Highways.
There is woody debris and/or dangerous trees on public property that needs to be removed.
- If the property belongs to Columbia Association, contact Columbia Association.
- If the property is County Open Space, contact the Department of Recreation and Parks.
- If the property is in a County drainage easement or roadway, contact the Bureau of Highways.
I have a concern about wildlife (either too much or not enough) around ponds.
Please contact the Department of Recreation and Parks.
Related Contacts
| Maryland Department of the Environment | 410-537-3000 |
| FEMA | 202-646-2500 |
| Howard County Master Gardeners | 410-313-1913 |
| Howard County Watershed Stewards Academy | 410-599-5362 |