Stormwater ponds come in many shapes and sizes, but their job is always the same, to control water runoff and filter pollutants. Aside from their visual attractiveness, these ponds are really hard at work regulating water quality within our region. Normal day-to-day activities contribute to water quality pollution, such as excessive fertilizer, automotive chemicals, pet waste, leaves, debris and other litter. Both vast and elegant, these ponds were created to not only reduce such pollutants from entering the natural waterway, but also reduce flooding.
Here’s how it works…
- The manmade pond is a permanent pool of water in which stormwater runoff is directed.
- Runoff from each rain event is stored in the pond to reduce flow and allow trash, dirt and other debris to settle out.
- Buffer vegetation along the banks of the ponds remove unwanted nutrients and capture trash prior to it entering the waterway.
- The aquatic plants that emerge help facilitate the natural physical, biological, and chemical processes needed to remove pollutants from the waterway.
- Some ponds may have aerators; these structures are not decorative fountains. Aerators are used to increase oxygen levels and circulate water throughout the lake, thereby stimulating natural processes to improve water quality.
Who knew such a pretty pond had such a secret life and practical purpose!?