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Steps We All Can Take To Protect City Stormwater Ponds With all of the snow and rain, city stormwater ponds and wetlands are working especially hard to take care of the extra water. Stormwater that’s not properly managed can contaminate streams, rivers and lakes and destroy aquatic habitats, plants, fish and animals. Below is information about these systems and what you can do to help protect them. Stormwater Ponds vs. Wetlands Both stormwater ponds and wetlands capture and treat stormwater runoff. Stormwater ponds are man-made and designed to collect and catch water runoff in developed areas. Wetlands are distinct ecosystems that are permanently or seasonally full of water. Algae blooms or aquatic plants in ponds and lakes need nutrients to grow. Pollutants or nutrients that enter a pond through stormwater runoff can lead to large algae blooms, excess plant growth or even hurt wildlife. An overabundance of plant and algae growth may inhibit a stormwater pond’s function and degrade the pond’s water quality. More importantly, however, the degradation of a stormwater pond results in polluting the watershed, or drainage area around a lake, stream, wetland or pond. This negatively affects water quality, which has an adverse effect on plant and animal life, and decreases the recreational potential for these bodies of water. Common pollutants that are washed into stormwater ponds and wetlands include: • Fertilizers and pesticides from lawn care • Animal waste and debris • Lawn clippings or leaves • Oil or grease from vehicles • Road salt What You Can Do 1. Seal your trash bags and keep litter out of the street. 2. Use pesticides and herbicides sparingly. 3. Pick up and properly dispose of pet waste. 4. Wash your vehicle on your lawn instead of on the driveway so that the water infiltrates into the ground. 5. Keep your car maintained so it does not leak fluids onto the streets. 6. Maintain healthy sod and grass to limit erosion. Reseed or re-sod all bare areas to keep stormwater from washing soil particles, which also contain phosphorus, into a storm sewer or pond. 7. Be aware of where your stormdrain is and keep it free of debris. City Responsibility The city does not treat stormwater ponds or wetlands for algae, weeds, odors or other aesthetic problems; however, the city is responsible for the following tasks: 1. Maintenance of the “hydraulic and treatment function” of water resources that are located within city-owned property, drainage or utility easements. 2. Removal of sediment accumulation, obstructions and debris that impede the flow of water and clearing clogged stormwater pipes. 3. For drainage concerns, or pollution and water quality concerns, contact City Hall staff at 651-792-7800. Keep Signs Out of the Way and Out of the Shoulder If you have a yard sign that encourages drivers to slow down, please place the sign in your yard and out of the right of way. These signs cannot be placed in the shoulder of the road, because they may obstruct the ability for vehicles to use the turn lane or for people to walk or run on the side of the road. Drivers: Please slow down on streets where these signs are posted! Do you need a fun, safe place for your children to go this summer while you work or get things done? Check out the city's Summer Playground Program. For more information and to register, visit the city website at cityofardenhills.org/recregistration Mark Your Calendar