Archive: Around Town

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 Lansing's Advice Column



Dear IMO,
I have a problem with my neighbors. I mean I have a problem with their run-off water. They direct all of their rain water from their gutters away from their properties. My house is situated at the base of a small hill. The contours of the land are such that most of their diverted water ends up in my yard and in my basement.

Their homes are approximately a hundred yards from mine, and I am sure I’d have a hard time proving it was their water that causes the flood in my basement every time a storm hits the area. Is there anything I can do to correct this situation? I like my neighbors, but I can’t stand their run-off.

Sincerely,

Water in the Basement.

Dear WB,

Your letter brings back fond memories of my Dad cursing our neighbors as he mopped up the water that seeped into our basement every time a downpour occurred. He fixed the problem by stuffing tennis balls into the downspouts while they were on vacation. He took along a broom and used the handle like a ram to ensure they stayed in for all eternity.

Although my mother suggested that he contact the town office, he brushed her pleas aside quoting Patrick Henry or some other Revolutionary War hero on the importance of liberty, equality, and a stop to neighbors who divert their gutters into his yard. To this day, the neighbors have no idea how three tennis balls got lodged in their downspout.

I believe you should heed my mother’s advice and contact the town office. There may be codes in place that could correct the water flow in your area. For example, the contactor might have failed to slope the land in a way that directs water away from all the properties including yours. Perhaps the county should have requested some collecting basin that would accommodate excessive amount of storm run-off. Explain to the individual at the town office your predicament. He or she may have some answers that do not involve tennis balls or a backhoe. Good luck.

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