Stormwater Retention Pond Maintenance Guide

Retention pond maintenance is essential to prevent flooding, reduce pollutants, and ensure the longevity of your stormwater pond.

Our comprehensive guide on pond maintenance will explain how to keep the pond functioning, allow it to support plant and animal life, and retain its beauty. Follow our expert tips and best practices for effective retention pond maintenance.

Who Is Responsible for Retention Pond Maintenance?

Let’s start with who is responsible for retention pond maintenance. It essentially comes down to the location of the pond. Cities are responsible for any retention ponds within the public right of way or land owned by the town. Runoff that occurs on private property is the responsibility of the property owner, property management company, or community Homeowners Association. So, if a retention pond is in your community, office park, or shopping center, your HOA, property owner, or property management company is responsible for the retention pond maintenance.

Businesses are required by the Clean Water Act to control runoff from construction sites and completed structures. This includes implementing measures to prevent polluted runoff from flowing into the area’s water supply (such as a retention pond).

If you’re unsure if a stormwater pond is your responsibility to maintain, it’s best to contact your county/city’s stormwater department.

• Is there signage on a fence that indicates who is responsible for the pond?
• Is the pond closer to a county road or a privately owned road?
• Does your HOA budget include a specific line item for pond maintenance costs?

These questions can help you determine who is responsible for maintaining a retention pond based on location and ownership indicators.

Common Retention Pond Maintenance Problems

Despite their importance, retention ponds can experience problems that may undermine their effectiveness. Here are three common issues:

• Sediment Buildup: Over time, pollutants and other materials settle on the pond bottom, creating sediment buildup that reduces the pond’s capacity and increases the risk of flooding.
• Erosion: Retention pond embankments can erode due to wave activity, storms, or poor construction, leading to leaks and breaches.
• Vegetation Growth: When left unchecked, vegetation can overgrow and interfere with water flow, obstructing drainage and impeding the pond’s ability to store water.

Get expert retention pond maintenance and repair services from iSTORMWATER today. Call us at (410) 231-3455 for commercial service in the DMV. 

Retention Pond Laws To Know

In addition to the Environmental Protection Agency’s federal regulations, different states and counties may have their own laws governing stormwater retention ponds. For instance, Maryland and Virginia have specific stormwater management acts that property owners should review before constructing or maintaining retention ponds. A professional stormwater maintenance company like iSTORMWATER can help navigate these regulations and ensure legal compliance.

Why is Retention Pond Maintenance  Important?

Retention pond maintenance is essential for ensuring that stormwater ponds remain effective in managing runoff and protecting water quality. Stormwater ponds can be a powerful tool in controlling and filtering runoff, but they require regular and thorough maintenance to function optimally. Without proper retention pond maintenance, these ponds can become overwhelmed by sediment buildup, leading to reduced capacity and an increased risk of flooding. Additionally, poorly maintained retention ponds can allow pollutants such as oils, heavy metals, and nutrients to be released downstream, contributing to environmental degradation.

Preventative retention pond maintenance plays a key role in stabilizing downstream channels, which helps to prevent erosion and maintain the integrity of surrounding landscapes. Regular maintenance also ensures that water quality is preserved by preventing the accumulation of debris, algae, and other contaminants. This not only protects the environment but also helps to avoid unpleasant odors and the proliferation of annoying insects, which can be a significant concern for both business and residential communities. Furthermore, a well-maintained retention pond enhances the aesthetic appeal of the area, contributing to property value and community satisfaction.

By investing in routine retention pond maintenance, property owners can avoid costly repairs, meet regulatory requirements, and ensure that their stormwater management systems continue to perform effectively. Whether you manage a commercial property, an office park, or a residential community, consistent maintenance is crucial for the long-term success of your stormwater management efforts.

How Often Should You Perform Retention Pond Maintenance?

There are several retention pond maintenance tasks to stay on top of. Read on for a list of the most important routine measures you should take to prevent more significant problems and keep your pond in good working condition.

• Inspections: Stormwater pond inspections should be performed as part of an overall stormwater management plan. Depending on the size of the property, they should be conducted quarterly or annually and within 24 hours of a major storm event that generates more than 1 inch of rain. Inspectors should have a detailed checklist of things to look for after rainfall, including obstructions, trash accumulation, erosion, and sedimentation.
• Vegetation management: Monthly mowing helps prevent erosion and maintains pleasing aesthetics around the stormwater pond. Businesses or property owners should minimize fertilizer and pesticide use to avoid downstream pollution.
• Mechanical equipment maintenance: Check valves, pumps, fence gates, locks, and mechanical components during periodic inspections.
• Sediment removal: About every six months, accumulated sediment must be removed from the bottom of the outlet structure. During this process, pond depths should also be checked at several points. Accumulated sediment should be removed if it has decreased the pond’s original design depth by more than 25%.
• Structural repair and replacement: Eventually, the structural components of a stormwater pond will need to be repaired or replaced. A stormwater professional can help you determine when this is necessary.

Where Can I Get Maintenance Help?

If you’re responsible for maintaining a retention pond on your property and need help, turn to the industry experts at iSTORMWATER. We have over 20 years of industry experience in pond management and maintenance and offer a satisfaction guarantee for your peace of mind.

Call us today at (410) 231-3455 or contact us online to schedule preventative or emergency stormwater pond maintenance in the MD, VA, and DC areas.