What is a stormwater pond?
A stormwater ponds primary function is to collect and store excess storm water to prevent flooding. Stormwater ponds are designed with inlets for stormwater to enter during high rainfall events and outlets to slowly release excess water afterwards. These “ponds” found in your neighbourhood are not constructed to be a public recreational facility.
REMINDER: Water levels and water quality in storm ponds is highly variable and unpredictable! For your health and safety, NO CONTACT is permitted for humans or pets with the storm ponds! Please - no swimming, wading, skating, fishing or boating!
The County of Brant maintains 23 stormwater management ponds located in the communities of Paris, St. George, Burford, Oakland and Scotland.
The County's role in the pond maintenance includes:
- Removal of sediments (as needed)
- Removal of debris in and around the pond
- Maintenance of structures such as gates and valves
- Maintenance of surrounding vegetation and plants
- Vegetation replacement if required
- Bank stabilization to prevent erosion
- Pond monitoring
Why are storm ponds important?
- Ponds store excess rainfall during large storm events to prevent flooding of homes and basements.
- Ponds help to settle out sediments and other contaminants.
- The naturalized edges of the ponds create habitat for wildlife, birds and insects.
Why is the water in the storm pond not always good?
- Fertilizer use results in excess nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen mainly) causing smelly algal blooms and undesirable weed growth.
- Excess algae reduces the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water making it difficult for aquatic species to live and also intensifies water odour.
- Bacteria from animal waste along with other contaminants are health hazards to humans and pets.
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