Check gutters, downspouts and pipes during and after storms and remove debris that might cause clogging. Regularly inspect, clean, and repair berms and ditches as necessary. Signs of over-topping may mean that redesign is necessary or that modifications should be made to handle larger quantities of water. Check for and repair any damage caused by burrowing animals. Seed and mulch or otherwise vegetate all bare areas, especially on slopes.
Regular maintenance saves time and money in the long run.
Safety measures Do not start any work until you are assured that both above-ground and underground utility lines will not be affected by your work. Do not release runoff onto septic leach fields or at the base of structural foundations. A fact sheet on constructing temporary sandbag berms is available from the USDA-NRCS office in your area.