Designing a Usable Backyard Around a Catch Basin

A backyard becomes a pond during heavy rain due to a catch basin designed to prevent flooding on a farm behind the property. The homeowner wants to expand the deck but seeks other options to make the space usable.

First, check for a recorded storm drain or detention pond easement on the plat. If it's an official easement, modifications may be prohibited. If not, the homeowner can alter it as long as downstream water volume isn't increased. Options: create a rain garden, remove the low area entirely, plant flood-tolerant species, or mark the ponding limit and plant above it. Expanding the deck is a viable but costly alternative.