Stormwater Ponds

Proper landscaping on the banks and shallow areas of urban stormwater ponds is critical to the health of our lakes, rivers, estuariesThe wide lower course of a river where the tide flows in, causing fresh and salt water to mix. and bays. Use of appropriate aquatic vegetation can halt erosionTo wear away by the action of water, wind, or glacial ice. Removal of vegetation and trees can increase erosion of topsoil. and retard the entry of pollutantsSomething which contaminates (water, the air, etc.) with harmful or poisonous substances. into stormwater pond water. Not only is the cleaner water necessary to sustain healthy wildlife habitats, but this cleaner water will eventually end up in our water resources. It just makes sense to stop the pollution at its point of entry instead of trying to purify the water at the time of withdrawal for human consumption.

This is designed to provide:

• An understanding of how citizens can contribute to the improvement of surface water and habitatThe place or set of environmental conditions in which a particular organism lives..
• A guide to proper landscaping and maintenance of urban stormwater ponds.
• Descriptions of some Florida native aquatic plants and their value as wildlife habitat.

Facts

• Untreated stormwater runoff is now considered the state’s leading source of water pollution.
• The uncontrolledNot under control, discipline, or governance growth of algae and undesirable aquatic plants in lakes, ponds and rivers is often the result of poorly managed stormwater.
• Untreated stormwater contributes nine times more oxygen-demanding substances to water bodies than industrial effluents.
• Stormwater contributes approximately 80% to 95% of the heavy metalsMercury, lead, cadmium and nickel-highly toxic in very small quantities; can be fatal and bioaccumulate in environment-have cumulative effects in humans. (lead, zinc, copper, cadmium) that enter Florida waters.
• Nutrient loads (nitrogen and phosphorus — the same chemicals found in lawn fertilizer) from stormwater runoff are comparable to those in treated sewage.
• Restoration projects have demonstrated that with proper treatment the detrimental effects of stormwater pollution can be reversed.

Undesirable Aquatic Plants

Desirable Aquatic Plants

Aquatic Landscaping

Unlandscaped

Landscaped

10 Steps to Maintaining Stormwater Ponds and Preventing Water Pollution

You may not have waterfront property, but the rain that runs off your roof, lawn and driveway can eventually end up in the nearest water body. Water enters storm drains along your street, which lead to the nearest lake, pond, river, stream or bay. By following the ten steps listed below, you can help prevent the pollution of our waterways.

1. Easy on the pesticides and herbicides.
   Don’t overspray your lawn or garden with pesticides and herbicides, since they may be toxicPoisonous, a substance that reacts with specific cellular components to kill cells. to wildlife and may contaminate nearby water bodies. Use them sparingly and strictly according to label directions. Seek nontoxic alternatives whenever possible, and pull weeds by hand.
2. Use chemical fertilizers sparingly.
   Don’t overuse fertilizers, especially near the water’s edge. Rain and lawn watering washes excess fertilizers into ponds and other natural water bodies, causing nutrient pollution, which contributes to the overgrowth of algae.
3. Don’t throw grass clippings into ponds or other water bodies.
   If you do not use your clippings for mulch or compost, put them in the trash instead of a storm drain, a swalea shallow depression in the land's surface which may be filled with water. In karst terrain it may indicate an incipient sinkhole forming. or along the water’s edge. These materials decay and are a source of water quality problems.
4. Plant, don’t pave.
   Ground cover minimizes runoffThe topographic flow of water from precipitation to stream channels located at lower elevations. Occurs when the infiltration capacity of an area's soil has been exceeded. It also refers to the water leaving an area of drainage. Also called overland flow. and is prettier than concrete. Consider converting lawns adjacent to ponds to native vegetation, which act as buffers to control runoff and erosionTo wear away by the action of water, wind, or glacial ice. Removal of vegetation and trees can increase erosion of topsoil.. Plants native to the area should be used for landscaping, since they have reduced needs for fertilizers and pesticidesA chemical that kills, controls, drives away, or modifies the behavior of pests..
5. Redirect rain runoff from roofs, patios and driveways.
   Minimize flow by redirecting runoff to grassed areas or swales where it can infiltrate through the soil and recharge groundwater levels. Runoff that goes directly into a water body carries leaves, fertilizers, pesticidesA chemical that kills, controls, drives away, or modifies the behavior of pests., grass clippings and trash.
6. Watering the driveway won’t make it grow.
   Save the hose for gardening, not sweeping. Wash your car on the lawn (easy on the soap), which will help filter out detergents. Use biodegradableAble to be decomposed by microorganisms. detergents with little or no phosphate.
7. Storm drains are only for rainwater.
   Never pour used motor oil, leaves, lawn clippings or other waste material into storm sewers. Motor oil is extremely toxicPoisonous, a substance that reacts with specific cellular components to kill cells. to wildlife. Drop off used motor oil at gas stations or garages that recycle.
8. Not all plants are bad.
   Vegetation around stormwater ponds, including weeds, helps trap and absorb nutrientsAny food, chemical element or compound an organism requires to live, grow, or reproduce. and pollutantsSomething which contaminates (water, the air, etc.) with harmful or poisonous substances. that might otherwise contaminate a water body. “Good” plants growing in the pond can also absorb nutrients that might cause blooms of “bad” plants, such as hydrilla or algae. “Good” plants also make water bodies a better place for fishing.
9. Add swales and berms to your pondside yard.
   A swalea shallow depression in the land's surface which may be filled with water. In karst terrain it may indicate an incipient sinkhole forming. is a small dip in the slope of your yard. It catches stormwater and filters it through the ground before draining into the pond. A berm is a small hump next to the swale. A berm helps hold water in a swale until it seeps into the ground.
10. Educate your neighbors.
    Pass this information on to your friends and neighbors and discuss it with them. Working together, you and your neighbors can maintain your stormwater pond to improve water quality, provide valuable wildlife habitatThe place or set of environmental conditions in which a particular organism lives. and an attractive environmentall of the external factors that may act on an organism, either plant or animal, or on a natural community. For example: gravity, air, wind, sunlight, moisture, temperature, soil, and other organisms are some of the environmental factors that may affect the life processes of an organism. for the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a stormwater pond?

A. A stormwater pond collects and treats stormwater runoffThe topographic flow of water from precipitation to stream channels located at lower elevations. Occurs when the infiltration capacity of an area's soil has been exceeded. It also refers to the water leaving an area of drainage. Also called overland flow., which helps to safeguard water qualityA term used to describe the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water, usually in respect to its suitability for a particular purpose., as well as providing flood protection.

Q. Why are aquatic plants important for stormwater ponds?

A. Native aquatic plants reduce erosionTo wear away by the action of water, wind, or glacial ice. Removal of vegetation and trees can increase erosion of topsoil. and utilize excess nutrientsAny food, chemical element or compound an organism requires to live, grow, or reproduce., helping to maintain water quality. They also provide habitatThe place or set of environmental conditions in which a particular organism lives. for many types of water birds, insects and other aquatic animals, including fish.

Q. Where can aquatic plants be obtained?

A. Native aquatic plants can be obtained from many local nurseries.

Q. Who can I contact for additional information?

A. The Southwest Florida Water Management District at 1-800-423-1476, ext. 4226, or your local environmental or stormwater management agency.