Stormwater management system
The water in these lakes consists of runoff from the surrounding streets and ground surface.
Stormwater lakes, along with dry ponds and wetlands, are part of the stormwater management system in Sherwood Park. Technically these are called stormwater management facilities.
Sherwood Park stormwater management facilities map The name is quite a mouthful, but stormwater management facilities have a simple purpose: they gather rainfall and surface water runoff, and help reduce the possibility of flooding and property damage.
In addition, the stormwater lakes and wetlands are an attractive feature of the neighbourhoods where they are located. Many stormwater management facilities are surrounded by natural vegetation, and provide habitat for birds and animals.
The stormwater management system and how it works
Whenever it rains, the water enters manholes and catchbasins on the street and flows through the storm sewer where it collects in one of the stormwater management facilities. The water can also go directly to an outlet that empties into a natural drainage area.
The water that accumulates in stormwater lakes, dry ponds and wetlands is released gradually back into the natural drainage system, avoiding erosion and flooding downstream.
It's important to remember that any type of surface water runoff, not just rainfall, can run into the storm sewer and collect in the stormwater management system. For example, when you wash your car on the driveway, that water ends up in the system.That's why as homeowners, we need to be careful with what we put into the storm sewers, traces of all this material can end up in the stormwater system.
Stormwater management facilities-what they are, and aren't
Stormwater lakes and wetlands are very attractive, and provide habitat for birds and wildlife. But they are different from natural lakes and wetlands in several important ways.
Stormwater lakes and wetlands
- are man-made and function as part of the stormwater management system.
- are surrounded by natural vegetation such as cattails, shrubs and grasses. There may also be underwater vegetation, and algae may form on the water surface.
- collect runoff from streets, the ground surface and storm sewers. That runoff may contain residue from lawn fertilizers and chemicals, various organisms, animal wastes and similar substances.
For health and safety reasons, contact with the water in stormwater management facilities is not recommended, and swimming and boating are not permitted.
Stormwater dry ponds
- are man-made and function as part of the stormwater management system.
- look like dish-shaped grassed fields and may be used as informal play areas.
- may temporarily fill with surface water runoff during heavy rainfall, but are generally dry.
Further information
Stormwater best management practices
780-467-7785
info@strathcona.ca
Last updated: Monday, January 09, 2012
Page ID: 2183