Hey everyone, I bought a house in a rural area just over a year ago and recently discovered that my neighbor to the south is directing the overflow from their large pond onto my property. Their pond is right at our property line, separated by a dirt mound with two pipes (one cast iron and the other metal) that are causing significant flooding on my side. My property is already swampy and has a high water table, so even a little rain makes things worse. I'm wondering if this is legal and what my options are.
3 Answers
Legally, it shouldn't be okay for them to direct water onto your property. You could start by asking them to fix it, and if that doesn't work, your township office can help clarify rules around this. Keep in mind that if things escalate, you might find yourself needing a police report as part of your documentation for any potential claims.
If it seems like your neighbor might genuinely be causing the overflow intentionally, that's something you can definitely use against them. Try chatting with them first about your concerns; things could be unintentional. Bear in mind that you might want to document the flooding with pictures, just to have proof. It’s also good to look into any local laws about water drainage that may apply to your situation.
This kind of setup isn't typically legal where I live. I'd suggest reaching out to code enforcement in your area for guidance, as they can provide any necessary steps to address the issue.