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Stormwater Management Ponds
A stormwater management (SWM) pond is man-made infrastructure built to collect and treat rainfall and surface water runoff. The ponds are usually found in neighbourhoods, where stormwater can easily be collected and treated.
During rainfall, stormwater flows into the pond and fills the basin of the pond. As the pond fills, dirt, sediment and pollutants settle down to the bottom. When the pond fills to its capacity, the water spills out at a controlled rate to reduce flooding and erosion to local waterways. The pollutants and sediment are left behind in the pond. Aquatic plants in the pond help with treating pollutants and plants around the edges of the pond help to stabilize banks and shade the water. The water level in SWM ponds fluctuates up and down constantly depending on the amount of water that is draining into the facility.
Staying Safe Around Stormwater Management Ponds
As these ponds mature, they are also pleasant to look at and walk near. Practice safety when around a stormwater pond as water levels can change quickly during storm events.
Due to the constant flow of water and unpredictable water levels, stormwater ponds are not safe for recreational use. This includes swimming, wading and boating in the ponds during the summer months. The bottoms of the ponds are soft and anyone that enters, including pets, may quickly become stuck.
In the winter, ice forms in unstable conditions and is often very thin. Skating or walking on the ice is strictly prohibited at all times.
Please stay off stormwater management ponds at all times.
Notice of Danger - Ice Skating on SWM ponds
