Prince George's County launches task force to study stormwater pond maintenance

Prince George's County convened its first Stormwater Pond Task Force to inventory privately maintained ponds, clarify maintenance standards and responsibilities, and identify funding and ownership options ahead of a report due in January 2026.

Councilwoman Walla Blaquet, who sponsored the resolution establishing the body, said the task force was created after "many of the residents in my district" raised concerns about poorly maintained ponds that are causing erosion and other problems. Councilmember Ingrid Watson was named vice chair; Blaguet said she will chair the group.

The task force's creation follows County Resolution CR 49-2024, which directs the group to identify stormwater facilities maintained by homeowners associations or other private entities, define what operation and maintenance entails, assess homeowners associations' capacity to maintain ponds and, where capacity is lacking, "identify alternative and creative methods to come up with ways to finance the operation and maintenance." The resolution gives the task force until January 2026 to provide a report, including a countywide cost analysis and equity assessment for proposed transfers of ownership to…