Stormwater Ponds
Stormwater ponds are extremely important components of your community's drainage system. They are designed to provide two critical services:
- Prevent flooding by suppressing surges of stormwater runoff that wash from lawns, buildings, and paved surfaces
- Protect water quality by holding water long so that sediment and attached and other pollutants settle to the bottom of the pond before discharge to nearby rivers or beaches.
As land is developed, vegetative cover is replaced by impervious surfaces such as buildings, roads, parking lots, and driveways. Instead of soaking into the ground, rainwater (i.e., stormwater) runs off the impervious surfaces, sometimes resulting in flooding. Additionally, as runoff washes across lawns, roads, and parking lots, it picks up sediment and pollutants such as pet waste, fertilizers, pesticides, and oils and deposits them into our waterways. This type of pollution is referred to as "nonpoint source" (NPS) pollution. Nonpoint source pollution is the
largest source of pollution in the May River. Check out our other pages to find simple things you can do to eliminate some of these pollution sources.
Stormwater ponds are not designed to be recreational ponds for fishing or boating, and they are not permitted solely for beautification of the landscape. As we stated before, they are engineered devices, intended to moderate flood surges and reduce stormwater pollution. As with other engineered devices, stormwater ponds
require maintenance to prevent them from falling into disrepair. Stormwater ponds that are well maintained may provide additional benefits beyond simply managing stormwater, such as fishing, boating, and improved property values.
Stormwater Pond Maintenance & Problem Solving:
Homeowners associations (HOA), property management companies, community managers, and waterfront residents can find out more information about stormwater pond maintenance by visiting
Clemson Extension's Managing Stormwater Ponds webpage. Additionally, SCDHEC has published a
Citizen's Guide to Stormwater Pond Maintenance booklet, detailing best management practices and resolving many common stormwater pond issues.
