Newly constructed homes in Blythewood flooded after stormwater drainage system failed, residents say

BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. (WIS) - Homeowners in one Blythewood neighborhood are in an uproar over what they said are drainage issues in their backyards that have led to extreme flooding inside their homes.

Several homeowners who live the Coatridge and Sterling Ponds subdivision said they are currently displaced due to the amount of water inside their home.

READ MORE: Lower Richland woman’s lawsuit says stormwater from Richland One early learning center causing massive headaches

Concrete trenches that are intended to collect and direct run-off storm water failed, according to residents. They say flooding like they saw on Saturday has never happened before.

Saturday’s rainfall brought in more than four inches. Several feet of water washed into some neighbors’ backyards and drifted into some homes. Some residents claim they had over four feet of water in their backyards and up to three inches of water inside their homes.

One homeowner, Javier Harnett, is home from the Air Force from deployment. He returned home with his newborn to see his home was flooded.

In addition to removing all of the water damage from the floorboards, flooring and walls, the family will also have to replace their A.C. unit, fridge, furniture and other belongings.

READ MORE: Resident who lives in flood-prone area of Richland County begs state to take action

“Its very frustrating,” he said. “Bringing home a newborn, you want them to be safe and have a roof under their head, but unfortunately our house isn’t going to be that rough for a while, until we get this fixed.”

Harnett said they are living with their family now, because their home is uninhabitable. He said he doesn’t have much time to get it cleaned out and reconstructed before he gets sent back to his deployment.

“This could have been avoided if it was designed better, so we will see what they come back with on that, hopefully, we will get some coverage. Anything would help. If not, we will have to fork over anything,” he said.

Homeowners are still begging for answers. They said they are getting the runaround from DR Horton and their HOA management company.

WIS News 10 reached out to both and did not hear a response.

According to Richland County, the HOA is responsible for neighborhood drainage.

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.