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1. How does the Town drainage system function?

Rainfall runoff is primarily managed via infiltration into the surrounding sandy soils. Typically, shallow vegetated “v-shaped” swales are constructed parallel to Town roadways to intercept and manage roadway runoff. In some instances, roadway swales may be connected to a larger open ditch system or series of underground storm pipes for conveyance downstream to either an ocean or sound discharge, or outfall. Drainage connections to the sound or the ocean are subject to tidal influence. Drainage flow through these discharges will be limited during high tide cycles and storm surge periods.

2. Who do I contact to report a drainage issue?

If your property is located along South Virginia Dare Trail, South Croatan Highway, or South Old Oregon Inlet Road, the adjoining drainage system is maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. To report an issue along any of these streets, please contact NCDOT County Maintenance Engineer Jeff Ryder at 252-473-2990 or jdryder@ncdot.gov.

Nags Head Department of Public Works is responsible for maintaining drainage within Town public rights-of-way. To report an issue along a Town street, contact the Department of Public Works at 252.441.1122.

3. What does the Town do to maintain the drainage system?

Drainage maintenance along Town public rights-of-way is performed by the Nags Head Public Work’s Department. Preventative maintenance is scheduled during the offseason to include storm pipe jetting and removal of accumulated sediment, debris and vegetation. Due to the expansiveness of the drainage network and limited resources available, Town forces attempt to conduct preventive maintenance activities twice a year. Activities are documented by location and maintenance type. Access recent Town maintenance activities performed.

Predictive maintenance work along Town Public rights-of-way are conducted annually through drainage infrastructure improvement projects via subcontracted work. This work typically consists of existing storm pipe and structure repair and replacement projects via subcontracted services. Visit latest news for scheduled and ongoing drainage construction work.

Drainage maintenance along South Virginia Dare Trail, South Croatan Highway, or South Old Oregon Inlet Road, is performed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). NCDOT is responsible for repairs and maintenance on the five ocean outfalls located throughout the Town.

4. Why is there always water in the drainage ditch?

Several factors contribute to standing water in drainage ditches. All drainage ditches throughout the Town connect to either the ocean or the sound and therefore are impacted by tidal influence and subject to inflow and outflow of water. The water table in the coastal environment can be extremely shallow or close to the land surface. Open drainage ditches can be several deep and intersect the shallow water table and the continued presence of water. Precipitation, surface runoff and resultant drainage flows can also impact water surface levels observed in open drainage ditches.

5. I have a drainage issue on my property, what can I do?

Property owners with drainage problems may receive technical assistance and advice from the Town.  Click here for Homeowner Tips for residential lot level drainage recommendations or contact one of our planners, zoning@nagsheadnc.gov. at 252-441-7016.

6. Can I fill in the ditch, swale or depression adjacent to the roadway?

No. Typically, the Town drainage system is located within the public right of way. The public right-of-way is the dedicated area between the street and individual properties for the installation of drainage infrastructure and underground utilities. Drainageways located in the right-of-way provide for the collection, treatment and conveyance of stormwater runoff from the roadway. No improvements in the right-of-way can be conducted without express permission from the Town. For more information call the Department of Public Works at 252-441-1122.

7. My neighbor's stormwater runoff floods my yard! Can the Town help?

Drainage problems stemming from private property and/or associated with a dispute between two private property owners must be resolved by the property owner(s). If the problem involves a stormwater management facility or feature that was required by Town permit, the Town may issue a notice of violation requiring that mitigation measures be taken by the responsible party or fines will be levied. Where stormwater is flowing from construction sites onto private property, the Town will investigate to ensure that the construction activity is in compliance with the development permit and associated regulations.

8. What can I do to help address flooding?

Address stormwater at the source. Cost-effective low-impact development (LID) measures can be installed on private properties to collect and infiltrate stormwater runoff generated from hardscapes. LID practices can aid in preserving water quality through the treatment of pollutants associated with stormwater runoff. Capturing stormwater at the source can attenuate peak runoff flows and reduce the potential for downstream flooding. Assisting the Town in keeping drainageways free of debris such as leaves, grass clippings and trash can permit continued operation of the drainage system. For technical assistance related to commercial properties contact David Ryan, P.E. at 252-441-6221 or for residential properties contact one of our planners, zoning@nagsheadnc.gov. at 252-441-7016.