Protect Natural Floodplain Functions

HomeFlood InformationProtect Natural Floodplain Functions

To protect natural resources and their functions:

  • Do not litter in or along waterways
  • Report failing erosion control measures (i.e. silt fencing)
  • Leave natural floodplain areas undisturbed
  • Keep off dunes
  • Properly dispose of hazardous waste
  • Know that grants are available for stormwater projects and rain gardens
  • Protect forested buffers, riparian buffers, and wetlands
  • Report illegal floodplain development to Planning Division staff
  • Report dumping into drainage systems or waterways

In natural or relatively undisturbed states, floodplains provide many valuable functions to include:

  • Store and convey floodwaters
  • Filter nutrients and pollutants out of runoff
  • Reduce flood velocities and peaks
  • Moderate water temperature
  • Reduce the amount of sediment entering into surface waters
  • Enhance the quality of surface waters
  • Promote infiltration, groundwater and aquifer recharge
  • Reduce frequency and duration of low surface flows
  • Maintain sediment budgets
  • Enhance biological productivity and biodiversity
  • Provide valuable habitat for plants and animals
  • Enhance agricultural lands
  • Provide sites for aquaculture
  • Restore and enhance forest lands
  • Provide prized recreational opportunities
Drainage System Maintenance

Stormwater management in Currituck County is a challenge that is complicated by low elevations, flat topography, high groundwater tables, and poorly drained soils. There are 7 designated stormwater service districts:

  • Northwest Watershed Improvement District
  • Moyock Watershed Improvement District
  • Guinea Mill Watershed Improvement District
  • Hog Bridge Ditch Watershed Improvement District
  • Ocean Sands North and Crown Point Service District for Watershed Improvements
  • Whalehead Service District
  • Carova Beach Watershed Improvement Service District

You can help with drainage system maintenance by:

  • Keeping storm drains and ditches clear of debris
  • Creating a rain garden
  • Landscaping with native plants
  • Installing a rain barrel
  • Utilizing permeable hardscapes
Emergency Floodwater Pumping

When certain conditions are met, Currituck County can request permission from North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality – Division of Water Resources to pump floodwater into the ocean.  Temporary warning signs are required at each discharge location and will be readily visible to beachgoers.

Currituck County will manage floodwater pumping in:

  • Ocean Sands North and Crown Point Service District for Watershed Improvements
  • Whalehead Service District for Watershed Improvements.

Currituck County has the ability to use tax funds from these districts to fund emergency pumping.

All other Property Owners Association (POA) or Homeowners Associations (HOA) on the Currituck Outer Banks are responsible for obtaining a floodwater pumping permit through Currituck County Engineer and procuring and funding all equipment, fuel and labor necessary to conduct emergency pumping operations.