What is a Stormwater Retention Pond?

Stormwater Retention Pond Management and Maintenance in North Carolina

Stormwater management is more than just a regulatory concern—it’s an important part of sustainable property development. One effective method for controlling water runoff is the stormwater retention pond, a practical and environmentally friendly solution widely used across North Carolina. Whether you’re a property manager, farmer, school official, or part of a homeowners association, good stormwater control solutions can help you improve drainage, protect infrastructure, and even enhance your property’s aesthetic.

We review what a stormwater retention pond is, its benefits, its legal requirements in North Carolina, and tips for proper design and maintenance. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of how this Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) works and how it can positively impact your property.

What is a Stormwater Retention Pond?

A stormwater retention pond, also known as a wet pond or stormwater basin, is a man-made pond designed to manage and treat runoff water during and after rainfall. These ponds collect stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces like parking lots, rooftops, and roads, slowing down water flow and allowing pollutants to settle.

Unlike detention ponds, which temporarily store water and then release it slowly, retention ponds are designed to hold a permanent pool of water. This standing water can provide additional benefits such as habitat for wildlife, improved water quality, and enhance your property’s look and dollar value.

Retention ponds are essential to urban planning, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall or flooding. They’re not just functional but offer a effective way to manage water while blending into the surrounding environment.

Key Benefits of Stormwater Retention Ponds

Why should you consider a stormwater retention pond for your property? Here are some of the benefits:

1. Effective Water Management

Stormwater retention ponds help minimize flooding by controlling the flow of stormwater runoff. They reduce the risk of overwhelmed drainage systems and erosion, especially critical during heavy rainfall events.

2. They Improve Water Quality

Stormwater retention ponds help minimize flooding by controlling the flow of stormwater runoff. They reduce the risk of overwhelmed drainage systems and erosion, especially critical during heavy rainfall events.

3. Environmental Benefits

Retention ponds provide a stable habitat for fish, birds, and other aquatic species that help promote biodiversity. They also offer an opportunity to plant native vegetation around the pond, which can attract and support birds, insects, and small mammals.

4. Improve The Properties Visual Appeal

A well-maintained retention pond can serve as a focal point for a property, improving curb appeal and property value. They can also become recreational spaces with walking trails or picnic spots for community use.  Add a fountain with beautiful spray patterns and colored lights and your pond is even more appealing.

For properties in North Carolina, meeting stormwater management requirements is crucial. Retention ponds are an effective way to comply with these regulations while benefiting your property.

The Department of Environmental Quality in Raleigh, NC has created a stormwater design manual the helps provide prospective pond owners with the Stormwater Control Measure Criteria. If you need help with Stormwater Control Measures, Stormwater Pond Violations or if you are exploring constructing a Stormwater Retention Pond give Pond Lake Management a call (336) 706-3300.

Legal Requirements for Stormwater Retention Ponds in North Carolina

North Carolina has laws in place to regulate stormwater control measures, including retention ponds. These laws aim to prevent water pollution and reduce flooding, ensuring sustainable and consistent stormwater management throughout the state.

Some key legal requirements for retention ponds in North Carolina include:

• Pond Maintenance Agreements: Property owners are often required to maintain the stormwater retention ponds to ensure they meet legal requirements.
• Size and Volume Standards: Retention ponds must meet specific sizing requirements based on the area they serve and the volume of water runoff captured.
• Post-Construction Measures: Newly developed properties are required to implement stormwater control measures that reduce the environmental impact of stormwater, collect pollutants and provide clean water.
• Before installing a retention pond, property managers should consult local ordinances or engage a professional service like Pond Lake Management (to stormwater page) to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations.

Before installing a retention pond, property managers should consult local ordinances or engage a professional service like Pond Lake Management to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations.

Essential Features of a Stormwater Retention Pond

For long-term effectiveness, stormwater retention ponds require specific design features. Here are a few critical components to consider when building or maintaining one:

1. Overflow Pipes

Overflow pipes help manage excess water during heavy rainfall, preventing the pond from flooding or causing damage to surrounding areas. These pipes divert surplus water safely into designated drainage systems.

2. Trash Guards

Trash guards prevent debris, leaves, and other waste from entering the pond’s drainage system, reducing blockages and contamination. They are a simple yet essential addition to any retention pond.

3. Aquatic Vegetation

Adding native plants around the pond not only enhances its appearance but also helps filter contaminants and prevent erosion along the pond’s banks. If you find invasive weeds or algae in your ponds take action to help control these species, check out our algae and weed identification page.

4. Proper Grading

The area surrounding a retention pond should be graded correctly to ensure runoff flows into the pond without causing erosion.

5. Sediment Forebays

Separate sediment forebays are included in a pond’s inlet to capture large sediments before they enter the main pond, prolonging the lifespan of the basin.

Is a Stormwater Pond Beneficial as a Stormwater Control Measure?

Yes, stormwater retention ponds are highly effective as Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs). They tackle two major stormwater issues—volume and quality—head-on. While preventing large-scale flooding, they also significantly improve the quality of water re-entering the natural ecosystem.

Retention ponds are adaptable to a variety of property types, from residential areas under a homeowners association to large-scale farms and educational institutions. Investing in stormwater ponds can lead to reduced long-term costs associated with water damage, regulatory fines, and environmental degradation.

Maintaining a Stormwater Retention Pond

To get the most out of a retention pond, regular maintenance is essential. Neglected ponds can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, produce foul odors, and lose functionality. Maintenance tasks include:

• Inspecting Overflow Pipes regularly for clogs or damage.
• Clearing Trash Guards to prevent blockages.
• Removing Sediment Build-up periodically, particularly from sediment forebays.
• Managing Vegetation by trimming overgrown plants and removing invasive species.

For property managers and associations, partnering with a professional pond management service like Pond Lake Management is the easiest way to ensure proper pond care. Their team specializes in the design, construction, and long-term maintenance of retention ponds tailored to meet both functional and aesthetic needs.

Conclusion: Make Your Property Stormwater-Resilient

A stormwater retention pond is more than a stormwater management solution. It’s an investment in the future—not just for regulatory compliance, but for the well-being of your property and the surrounding environment. Whether you’re building a new pond or maintaining an existing one, remember that expert care is key to long-term success.

If you’re ready to get started, reach out to Pond Lake Management today. Their team of experts will help you design, build, and maintain a stormwater retention pond tailored to your unique needs.

Call Pond Lake Management for a consultation or fill out a pond assessment request —because better water management starts here!