Why Prince George’s Co. floods — and what can be done to
fight it
By Matt Small, March 17, 2021, 9:36 AM
It’s a well-known fact for many Maryland homeowners in
Prince George’s County: floods happen. But why? And what can be done about it?
Melinda Bolling, county director of permits, enforcement and
inspections, said during a council meeting Tuesday that it comes down to
flatlands, older homes built before regulations, high groundwater and what she
called “bad soil.”
Tackling the issue comes down to code changes, enhanced
enforcement and property owner remedies.
“They aren’t aware of devices that were put in place to keep
water away from their home, so we need to educate them,” Bolling said.
In some cases, homeowners may need to connect devices to a
storm drain. In other cases, a replacement or a larger pump may be needed.
Bolling said one way property owners can make a difference
is ensuring storm drains are unclogged.
“They need to be maintained,” she said. “You’ve got to get
the leaves and branches and other debris away from it so that they can work as
intended.”
According to a presentation, more than 4,300 calls about
flooding and draining complaints have been placed in the last three years.
