Stormwater management pond maintenance helps ensure that your pond continues to serv its role in reducing the risk of flooding. It includes regularly inspecting and cleaning out any debris or sediment built up over time, and keeping an eye on pollution levels. Here’s more of what you should know and tips for maintenance.

About Stormwater Management Ponds

These retention and detention ponds are created to help manage runoff from rain and snow. Retention ponds and detention ponds both manage stormwater in different ways.

• Retention ponds are designed to store water permanently. They have no outlet as they simply allow water to be absorbed into the ground over time. These ponds are often used where groundwater is close to the surface. Stormwater retention pond maintenance is critical to prevent flooding of surrounding areas and to ensure that the pond continues to serve its role in removing pollutants from the environment.
• Detention ponds are designed to temporarily hold and then slowly release higher volumes of water from storms. Stormwater detention pond maintenance is critical for human safety and to prevent damage to property and the surrounding ecosystem.

Tip #1: Regular Inspections for Stormwater Management Pond Maintenance 

Regular stormwater management and detention pond inspections are essential for preventing significant issues from developing and becoming costly. Inspecting the pond can lead to early identification of potential problems, preventing future damage or failure of the system. Spot inspections should be conducted to assess damage whenever a major storm or flooding event occurs. 

When doing stormwater management pond maintenance, you should inspect the inlet and outlet structures, the pond liner, and the vegetation. This will help make sure that the stormwater detention ponds are working correctly. 

All inspections should include scrutiny of the pond’s drainage area, embankment, and water surface. Stormwater management pond maintenance should also include monitoring vegetation growth. Also check for any sediment that may have built up in the pond and remove debris such as leaves, branches, or other materials. It is also beneficial to regularly inspect the buffer zone around the pond and undertake vegetation management if necessary. 

Tip #2: Aquatic Weed Control in Stormwater Pond Maintenance

Vegetation in stormwater management ponds helps keep the water clean. This plant life also helps control how much water enters and leaves the pond. This is especially important during heavy rains when the water level rises quickly and poses a potential flooding risk.

Tips for managing vegetation

• Establish a vegetation management plan to ensure that the stormwater pond provides the desired water quality protection and flood prevention level.
• Monitor existing vegetation levels regularly to identify areas where additional plantings or invasive species need removal.
• Control excessive amounts of sedimentation, which can prevent native plants from thriving in a stormwater pond environment.
• Plant native vegetation varieties whenever possible, as they are more resistant to pests and require less maintenance than non-native varieties.
• Perform aquatic weed removal when necessary to control the growth of undesirable species or noxious weeds near open water bodies to reduce pollution runoff potentials into the stormwater detention ponds system.
• Encourage diversity in vegetation by selecting an appropriate mix of grasses, shrubs, and trees for different conditions of soils and depths to maximize wildlife habitat while promoting erosion control around the perimeter banks of a stormwater management facility.
• Develop appropriate drainage systems for surface water runoff from adjacent properties before it enters any constructed wetlands area to minimize nutrient loading caused by fertilizers applied on lawns.

Tip #3: Stormwater Pond Sediment Removal

Stormwater management ponds can get filled with dirt and mud. It is essential to clean the dirt and mud out of these ponds so the water can flow freely. Stormwater pond maintenance is the process of keeping these ponds clean and debris-free. This includes clearing out mud, removing weeds, cleaning trash, and ensuring the banks are stable. It is also essential to inspect the stormwater pond for any damage or signs of erosion that may be present. Proper maintenance of a stormwater management pond can help ensure that the water flows freely and is safe for people to use. 

Maintaining stormwater management and detention ponds is crucial for mitigating flooding and preserving the quality of surrounding waterways. To ensure optimal performance, sediment should be removed from these ponds regularly and disposed of properly. This process is called dredging. 

Tip #4: Trash and Debris Removal

Keeping stormwater ponds clean is essential. Trash and debris should be removed from the ponds to prevent them from getting clogged up. This helps keep the water clean and healthy. Stormwater management ponds should be maintained regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly. 

Tips for preventing trash and debris from entering the pond and properly disposing of it

• Regularly inspect and clean garbage cans, catch basins, storm drains, etc., around the pond area to ensure that trash does not enter the pond.
• Place floating debris booms in strategic locations in the pond to catch large pieces of debris before they sink or are carried away with water flow.
• Schedule regular maintenance days for volunteers who can come and help clear out any accumulated trash in the surrounding areas of the pond.
• Install filters or nets on all outlet pipes leading from the detention ponds so that no solid particles will be released into receiving waters.

Tip #5: Maintenance of Inlet and Outlet Structures

Inlet and outlet structures are critical features of stormwater management ponds. They can become clogged due to debris, sediment, and organic matter that enter the pond from the surrounding environment. If these structures are not regularly monitored and maintained, the clogging can restrict or redirect water flow, leading to more frequent flooding and other issues. It is essential to periodically inspect these structures and keep them cleared of any debris or obstructions.

Tips for maintaining these structures

1. Ensure that all inlet and outlet structures are designed to prevent clogging from debris or sediment build-up.
2. Inspect stormwater detention pond maintenance regularly for any signs of wear, tear, or structural damage.
3. Monitor water levels and adjust flow rates to minimize flooding during heavy rainfall.
4. Clean out inlet silt traps at least once a year, depending on how much debris accumulates, and replace them if necessary.
5. Install screens over any intake pipes or intakes subject to clogging due to debris, such as leaves or sticks entering from upstream sources such as rivers or streams.
6. Clear vegetation around inlets so they can be easily accessed for inspection and repairs.
7. Outfall structures should be inspected periodically for scouring caused by high velocity flows; countermeasures like riprap may be required where this occurs.
8. Repair any damaged components immediately — cracks, loose joints, etc. — to prevent further structure erosion.
9. Use proper sediment control measures before beginning construction projects near detention ponds and afterward while soil particles settle into the pond basin.

Get Help with Stormwater Pond Maintenance

Stormwater management ponds are essential for controlling and filtering stormwater runoff, preventing flooding, and protecting water resources from pollutants. While these systems can provide effective protection, pond maintenance is critical to ensuring their effectiveness. Neglecting maintenance can lead to erosion, clogging by debris, and other problems.

Are you looking for help managing and maintaining your stormwater ponds? At PondMedics, we offer comprehensive pond maintenance services, including vegetation control, dredging, debris removal, and more.