What is the Purpose of Stormwater Ponds?

Stormwater ponds are designed to be catch basins for developed areas. Stormwater ponds collect rainwater (stormwater runoff) that runs over impermeable surfaces such as parking lots, roads, and buildings. In undeveloped areas rainwater can be absorbed into the soil, taken up by trees and plants or flow into rivers, streams or wetlands naturally. The daily activities of people cause pollutants to collect on impermeable surfaces and get washed into waterways during rain events. These pollutants include dirt, oil, fertilizers, yard waste and litter. Pollutants can be harmful to habitats and wildlife downstream if they are allowed into the ecosystem. With stormwater management ponds in place, rainwater can collect, sediment and pollutants can settle out before being released back into the watershed.

Stormwater management ponds are often located in common areas and attract wildlife. Due to the contaminants being collected by the stormwater management pond this can be potentially harmful to local wildlife if not properly managed. To keep the stormwater pond functioning properly, it may need to be periodically cleaned out to remove sediments that have accumulated over time. This can be an expensive and intensive process. Actions must be taken by community members to minimize contaminates entering the stormwater pond. We can all do our part to help keep our stormwater ponds healthy by being good environmental stewards in our community.

• Keep litter, yard waste and pet waste out of drainage ditches and storm drains.
• Pesticides and Fertilizers need to be used and disposed of properly. Fertilizers should never be broadcast over streets or sidewalks. Fertilizers and pesticides should only be applied at the label rate.
• Properly dispose of oil and antifreeze.
• Never hose chemicals off impermeable surfaces.
• Reduce erosion from your property by planting plants and grasses over exposed areas.
• Allow natural plants to grow up around your stormwater management pond to help filter runoff water.
• Perform a stormwater inspection annually.

SOLitude Lake Management is a nationwide environmental firm committed to providing sustainable solutions that improve water quality, enhance beauty, preserve natural resources and reduce our environmental footprint. SOLitude’s team of aquatic resource management professionals specializes in the development and execution of customized lake, stormwater pond, wetland and fisheries management programs that include water quality testing and restoration, nutrient remediation, algae and aquatic weed control, installation and maintenance of fountains and aeration systems, bathymetry, shoreline erosion restoration, mechanical harvesting and hydro-raking, lake vegetation studies, biological assessments, habitat evaluations, and invasive species management. Services and educational resources are available to clients nationwide, including homeowners associations, multi-family and apartment communities, golf courses, commercial developments, ranches, private landowners, reservoirs, recreational and public lakes, municipalities, drinking water authorities, parks, and state and federal agencies. SOLitude Lake Management is a proud member of the Rentokil family of companies in North America.