Stormwater Retention Ponds

Gail Hansen andShangchun Hu
Other Contacts: Keighly Graves

Ange Asanzi, Miranda Carver Martin, Michelle Atkinson, Chamoda P. D. Dissanayake Mudiyanselage, Basil V. Iannone III, Eban Bean, Alexander J. Reisinger, Mary Lusk, Dail Laughinghouse, and Paul Monaghan

This publication addresses some of the most frequent questions that residents ask regarding the function and maintenance of their stormwater ponds. Written by Ange Asanzi, Miranda Carver Martin, Michelle Atkinson, Chamoda P. D. Dissanayake Mudiyanselage, Basil V. Iannone III, Eban Bean, Alexander J. Reisinger, Mary Lusk, Dail Laughinghouse, and Paul Monaghan, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, August 2024.

Gisele P. Nighswander, Mary E. Szoka, Kayla M. Hess, Eban Bean, Gail Hansen, andBasil V. Iannone III

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by ==Water==

Anthony Halcyon, Mary G. Lusk, and Ann C. Wilkie

This publication explains what happens when stormwater runoff enters constructed environments, its impacts on water bodies, and how individuals can take steps to lower their own stormwater runoff footprint. This guide can increase awareness of ways to reduce each person's role in water quality impairment by stormwater pollution. This publication is intended primarily for urban residential readers and does not focus on agricultural runoff. 

Samiul Haque, Hayk Khachatryan, andMichelle Atkinson

Stormwater ponds are integral to Florida’s landscape, with thousands in residential communities. Excess nutrients, urbanization, shoreline erosion, poor maintenance, and climate changes all add stress and can threaten ponds' key functions in reducing flooding and improving water quality. Despite challenges, stormwater ponds remain crucial for communities. Pond function depends on good management decisions by homeowners and HOA boards. This publication is one of a series on Florida stormwater pond management designed to assist Extension educators in identifying knowledge gaps among homeowners about stormwater ponds. We learned what homeowners in HOA communities know about sustainable pond management and landscaping, examining their understanding of major pond functions, low-maintenance buffer zone requirements, appropriate plant selection, and whether serving on an HOA board influences knowledge levels.