We spend so much time obsessing over what sits above ground that we forget about the earth and water below. But lately, the most urgent home maintenance has nothing to do with paint colors or kitchen islands. Coastal cliffs are collapsing. Unseen chemicals are hiding in the garden hose. The ground beneath our feet is demanding serious attention.
The hidden costs of water and soil
Water is heavy and incredibly destructive when it goes where it shouldn't. Out in California, coastal erosion driven by high tides is swallowing driveways whole. A recent sinkhole near Point Lechuza left a massive void where concrete used to sit, severing a natural gas line in the process. Conditions will likely worsen as Hurricane Marie brings more rain and heavy surf, CBS News reports.
Property lines mean very little when the dirt decides to move. Shifting ground can threaten your home's structural integrity in a matter of hours.
Inland infrastructure is also feeling the strain of aging pipes and unpredictable weather. A massive reclaimed water main break in Austin recently dumped a small lake's worth of water into a local creek. The City of Austin had to advise residents with private wells nearby to boil their drinking water. When municipal systems fail, the burden of safety falls right back on you.
What's happening in your state
California: More than 30 beachfront homes on Sea Level Drive in Malibu are under mandatory evacuation orders after the ground completely gave way. Down the coast, high surf in Long Beach compromised a local seawall and damaged the boardwalk. Even more residents had to pack up and leave.
North Carolina: Brunswick County just reached a massive settlement agreement with Chemours over PFAS contamination in the local water supply. Local officials are now asking the state government to let them hike the impact fees developers have to pay. They also want evacuation routes added as a scoring factor for road projects.
Michigan: Researchers at Michigan Tech are launching a study in L'Anse to see exactly how garden plants absorb "forever chemicals." The State of Michigan project will measure PFAS levels in dirt and backyard plants to figure out how contamination moves into the food we grow.
The bottom line for you
- Watch how water moves around your property after a heavy storm. If you notice pooling near your walls or sudden cracks in the brick, it's time to review our foundation guide before minor settling turns into a major repair bill.
- You don't need to live next to a chemical plant to care about water quality. If you're on a private well or just curious about local testing, check out our environmental hazards checklist to see what to look for nearby.
- Older homes often hide aging supply lines that can fail without warning. Take a few minutes this weekend to locate your main shutoff valve. Then review the basics of your plumbing system so you're ready if a pipe ever bursts.