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Is water runoff from my property a problem?

Last Updated: September 29, 2009

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This depends on a number of factors such as how close you are to a stream, river, drainage area, road, or culvert and how badly your property burned. If all the vegetation was removed by a burn and you are uphill from an area of concern (such as an undersized culvert), then yes, water running off your property could be a problem.

The amount of damage will depend on the amount of water running off your property. Small, steady amounts of rain can result in rill or gully erosion, whereas a major storm event could result in more serious problems such as mass wasting, debris flows, flooding, and washed-out roads.

If you are in doubt, it is best to play it safe and contact a professional at your local Natural Resources Conservation Service office.

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