A desert downpour can turn a quiet Paradise Valley Village street into a fast-moving stream in minutes. If you own or plan to buy here, you want to know how stormwater moves on and around your property, what you must maintain, and where to check flood risk. In this guide, you’ll learn the basics of Phoenix’s stormwater system, how to read flood maps, what to do before monsoon season, and the upgrades that protect your home and value. Let’s dive in.
Stormwater in Paradise Valley: How it works
Living in Paradise Valley Village means you are in the City of Phoenix stormwater service area. Phoenix operates a separate storm sewer system that carries runoff straight to washes, rivers, and retention basins. It does not go to a wastewater plant. That is why the City promotes “only rain in the storm drain.” You can review the City’s program and reporting contacts on the Phoenix Stormwater Management page, which explains outreach, inspections, and the post-construction program under the state MS4 permit.
Phoenix’s requirements flow from the state AZPDES/MS4 permit. The City coordinates education, illicit discharge response, construction oversight, and long-term maintenance of qualifying stormwater controls.
Know your property’s flood risk
Check FEMA flood maps
Start with a FEMA Flood Map Service Center search to see your official flood zone and create a FIRMette for your records. Lenders use these maps when deciding if flood insurance is required.
Look at county floodplain data
The Maricopa County Flood Control District offers floodplain information, local drainage studies, and tools that complement FEMA maps. If you need a floodplain determination letter, the County can help.
What it means for insurance and permits
If a home sits in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, your lender may require a National Flood Insurance Program policy. Even outside those zones, risk exists. FEMA’s homeowner guide explains how zones translate to insurance decisions and personal risk.
If you own in an HOA or on a private lot
On-site controls and your maintenance duties
Many Phoenix properties include private stormwater features like retention basins, drywells, or bioswales. Owners and HOAs are responsible for upkeep. Phoenix’s Post-Construction Stormwater Program inventories qualifying controls and requires operations and maintenance plans for newer developments. Ask your seller or HOA for O&M records if you are buying.
Drywells 101
Drywells are common in the Phoenix area and must be registered and maintained per state guidance. As an owner, you are responsible for proper operation, including periodic cleanouts by qualified contractors. After storms, standing water in basins tied to drywells should not linger beyond about 36 hours under local practice standards. If drainage stalls, call a licensed professional.
Permits for grading and drainage
Work that changes how water flows on your lot often requires City of Phoenix permits. Do not regrade in ways that push runoff onto a neighbor or into the street. Review Phoenix’s Grading and Drainage code before you start site work or larger landscape changes.
Monsoon-season maintenance checklist
- Clear gutters and downspouts so water moves away from the foundation and into planned landscaping or approved infiltration areas. Phoenix emphasizes pre-storm readiness during monsoon season.
- Keep street-side and on-property inlets free of leaves and trash. Report clogged public drains or illicit discharges using the City’s stormwater contacts and 311 tools.
- Inspect drywells and basins after storms. If water ponds beyond roughly 36 hours or you see sediment buildup, schedule maintenance.
- Confirm positive slope away from the house. Erosion, new hardscape, or planter changes can redirect flow back toward the structure.
- Practice clean yard care. Pick up pet waste and avoid overusing fertilizers or pesticides, since runoff carries pollutants directly to washes.
Stormwater-friendly upgrades
Passive rainwater harvesting
Simple grading, curb cuts, and small landscape basins capture and infiltrate rainfall to your plants. The Arizona Department of Water Resources outlines conservation technologies and when larger or plumbed systems may require permits.
Rain gardens and bioswales
Shallow, vegetated areas slow and filter runoff before it reaches streets or inlets. Design them to match soil and slope. For any significant regrading, verify City requirements.
Permeable surfaces
Replace sections of conventional hardscape with permeable pavers or decomposed granite where appropriate. These surfaces reduce runoff volume and help recharge soil moisture.
When to involve pros
For drywell installation or major repairs, use qualified contractors and follow state registration and maintenance guidance. Good records support resale and reduce risk.
Before you buy or sell in Paradise Valley
- Pull a FIRMette for the address from FEMA and note any Special Flood Hazard Areas.
- Ask the seller or HOA for stormwater documents: drywell registration numbers, as-builts, and O&M plans for basins or other controls.
- Verify whether past site work needed grading or drainage permits. Unpermitted regrading can create downstream problems and code issues.
- If the home is part of a newer development, confirm the site’s post-construction stormwater obligations and inspection history.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not discharge chlorinated pool backwash, oil, paint, or other prohibited liquids into storm drains or drywells. County guidance lists what is not allowed.
- Do not regrade to send more runoff onto neighboring properties or into the street. Phoenix code addresses grading practices and enforcement.
- Do not assume your homeowners policy covers flood damage. Review FEMA guidance and consider a separate policy if risk is present.
Ready to protect your home and value?
Stormwater is part of smart homeownership in Paradise Valley Village. A little planning goes a long way, from flood map checks to drywell maintenance and monsoon prep. If you want a builder’s-eye walkthrough to spot drainage red flags before you list or buy, coordinate repairs, or plan smart landscape upgrades, reach out to AJ Aliah. You will get clear, practical steps tailored to your property and goals.
FAQs
Who handles stormwater in Paradise Valley Village, Phoenix?
- The City of Phoenix manages stormwater under the state MS4 permit, which routes runoff to washes and basins rather than wastewater treatment. See the City’s Stormwater Management resources for contacts and program details.
How do you check if a home will need flood insurance?
- Search your address on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center. If the property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, your lender may require an NFIP policy. FEMA’s homeowner guide explains the zones and requirements.
Are drywells allowed and what do they require in Arizona?
- Yes. Drywells are common but must be registered and maintained under state guidance. Owners are responsible for proper operation and periodic cleanouts by qualified contractors.
Where do you report a clogged storm drain or illicit discharge in Phoenix?
- Use the City’s stormwater contacts and myPHX311 tools listed on the Phoenix Stormwater Management page to report clogged inlets, dumping, or unusual discharges.
Can you collect rainwater at home in Arizona?
- Yes. Arizona encourages rainwater harvesting for non-potable use. Passive systems are straightforward, while larger cisterns or plumbed systems may require permits. ADWR provides guidance.
What should an HOA keep on file for basins and drywells?
- Maintain an operations and maintenance plan, inspection logs, and service records. Phoenix’s Post-Construction Stormwater Program outlines owner and HOA responsibilities.
