My previous blog briefly introduced stormwater pond. Today I’d like to share with you some general guidelines for keeping a stormwater system functioning properly according to Neighborhood Guide to Stormwater Systems from St. Johns River Water Management Districts. You may not have waterfront property, but the rain running off your roof, lawn, and driveway can eventually end up in the nearest water body by flowing over land and into storm drains. .

Basic Maintenance

• Keep inflow/outflow structures clean and clear of debris
• Keep grass clippings and other debris out of stormwater drainage systems to prevent clogging
• Remove nuisance and excess vegetation from stormwater ponds
• Repair eroded slopes
• Remove trash and yard waste from gutters and around storm drains
• Report clogged culverts or slow moving water in ditches to Stormwater Department
• Do not fill stormwater ponds, swales, or retention systems with dirt or other debris

Plant Wisely

• If your stormwater system is intended to be a wet system, plant trees around the perimeter of the pond. Trees help shade the area, absorb nutrients and lower the water table.
• Use plants to create a buffer zone of five feet or more between your yard and any water bodies. Shoreline vegetation can reduce erosion and trap pollutants in stormwater runoff before it reaches a water body

Fertilize Carefully

• Avoid overuse of fertilizers, especially near the water’s edge. Excess fertilizers are washed into water bodies and cause algal blooms and undesirable weed growth
• Florida soil is naturally high in phosphorus. Contact Extension office to do a soil test and know the right type of fertilizers you need

Things to Avoid

• Don’t dump oil, chemicals, or yard trash into ponds
• Don’t swim in the ponds or eat fish caught in them. Remember, stormwater ponds are treatment systems to trap pollutants from neighborhood watershed
• Don’t fill stormwater ponds. Any reduction in system size will interfere with the pond’s ability to hold stormwater runoff
• Don’t change the elevation of large pieces of property. It has drastic impacts on where stormwater runs

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