Outreach & Extension: Stormwater Ponds

Stormwater ponds have become a familiar sight in housing developments and suburban communities. Maryland alone has approximately 18,000 wet stormwater ponds that cover nearly 200,000 acres. The primary function of these ponds is to capture and treat runoff - the excess water from the surrounding area that is not absorbed directly into the ground during rain and storm events. This water can carry with it high amounts of nutrients and pollutants. Stormwater ponds are often edged with some variety of aquatic plant, which can absorb excess nutrients before they become bound to organic material in the soil.

Beyond nutrient reduction, stormwater ponds can serve as valuable habitat for local wildlife, including fish, frogs, turtles, birds and waterfowl. Such a productive ecosystem beautifies the neighborhood, providing a valuable resource for the entire community.

But proper management of stormwater ponds is crucial. If poorly managed, stormwater ponds can suffer from the overgrowth of algae or invasive plants, such as Phragmites, which detracts from their function for nutrient capture and aesthetic appeal. For this reason, wet ponds have fallen from favor for stormwater treatment options in new development. Follow the links below and download our Extension Brief to learn how to better manage the tens of thousands of existing ponds, helping to optimize their role in nutrient capture and community aesthetics.

Urban and Stormwater Pond Management

Design and Maintenance of Stormwater Ponds

Water Quality

Plant Selection

Lawns and Turfgrass

Outreach & Extension: Stormwater Ponds

Urban and Stormwater Pond Management

Other Links