Resident tells River Ridge board of slab moisture, asks HOA and CDD to coordinate drain repairs

Lynda Sorensen, an Oak Run resident, told the River Ridge Community Development District board on Oct. 22 that water has intruded under her home's slab, warping master bedroom flooring and producing moisture and mold beneath the floor.

Sorensen said inspections found no plumbing or HVAC leak and that a floor-warranty specialist and leak-detection consultant reported very high moisture levels in the floor and slab. She said heavy rainfall and ponding behind her unit submerged underground downspouts and left the foundation specialist recommending perimeter drain tiles and 5- to 10-foot downspout extensions to move water away from the home.

Board Chair Bob Schultz and staff noted that installation of drain tiles is normally the homeowners association's responsibility. Mrs. Cleo Adams, the district manager, said drain tiles are an HOA matter, while the board and staff agreed to share information so the CDD, HOA and the golf-course property owner can explore possible solutions.

Operations Manager Shane Willis asked whether the source and path of the water had been identified; Sorensen said no definitive cause was reached and that excessive ground moisture remains a likely factor. District engineer Charlie Krebs said the area had originally been an indigenous preserve and was not part of the stormwater management system until rezoning; that land is club property, not part of the district's water-management system.

Sorensen said she presented the problem to the HOA and has discussed it with other residents and neighborhood representatives. She asked the CDD and HOA to consider "innovative" assistance and coordination to relocate downspouts and install drain tiles to prevent further damage.

The board did not adopt a formal motion on the matter at the meeting; district staff will continue coordinating information between the homeowner, the HOA and relevant property owners and contractors.