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There are approximately 400 detention ponds in the City of Ann Arbor. Two hundred fifty of these detention ponds have been inspected by the storm water pond inspectors, leaving about one hundred detention ponds left to inspect. As new development occurs in the City new detention ponds must be created to offset the loss of impervious surface. |
What is a detention pond?
Detention ponds are man-made ponds designed to store water runoff during peak storm events. They are used to detain and slow storm water over a period of time, allowing sediment, chemicals and trash to be filtered out before being released into the Huron River and it’s surrounding tributaries. By reducing the velocity of water that moves over the impervious surfaces of streets, buildings and construction sites, these ponds reduce the likelihood of flooding, and help to reduce the impact that impervious surfaces and development can have on water quality and aquatic habitats. Detention ponds come in many types and forms, which are; dry ponds, wet ponds, infiltration trenches, rain gardens, grassed swales and sand filtration systems. Both state and local authorities require these ponds to be constructed for these impervious developments, and maintained on a timely schedule.
How do detention ponds affect our environment?
Well-maintained ponds can be an aesthetic amenity to the community and serve as a habitat for aquatic and wild species relocated due to development activities nearby. If ponds are neglected and abused, the quality of water leaving the community site will deteriorate at an alarming rate, thus negatively impacting our local water systems, the Huron River watershed and the City of Ann Arbor’s storm water utility. This negative impact will demand more on the city’s storm system and the cost of maintenance of this system will rise.
How will detention ponds affect my storm water rates?
The use of detention ponds, rain barrels, rain gardens, swales, underground detention systems and pervious materials will be allowed a credit on the July 1, 2007 new storm water utility rates. By properly containing and lessening the demand on our local water systems, citizens become more responsible for this high velocity runoff and we all benefit from this containment.
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