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How does a stormwater management pond work
Our stormwater management systems
Stormwater improvement projects
Stormwater management system maintenance
Apply to alter stormwater management infrastructure
What is Stormwater
Stormwater flow is created when precipitation from rain and snowmelt flows over land and does not soak into the ground. As stormwater flows over impervious surfaces (paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops), it accumulates debris, oil, pet waste, chemicals, sediment or other pollutants that could adversely affect the quality of nearby waterways if untreated. In a more naturalized setting such as a forest or wetland area, overland flow is typically reduced as more water will either absorb into the soil or plants, or evaporate from areas of open waters, eventually making its way into our streams, rivers and lakes slowly over time.
Stormwater Management Ponds
Stormwater management ponds provide storage for water runoff (overland flow) to slow the flow into downstream outlets, such as sewers, creeks and rivers. There are different types of stormwater management ponds, including:
- Dry ponds
- Wet ponds
- Wetland ponds
- Infiltration facilities
- Hybrid ponds consisting of any of the above types
How does a stormwater management pond work?
Runoff enters storm sewers and flows into stormwater management ponds, where it is held before being slowly released into streams, rivers and lakes thereby helping to prevent flooding and erosion. In addition, this process allows sediment and other pollutants to settle to the bottom of the pond, increasing the quality of the water being released into our watercourses.
Our more modern stormwater management ponds have additional controls such as oil grit separators and filtration systems that clean the stormwater runoff before it enters the pond. Native plants and special landscaping materials also help to manage pollution and runoff (overland rainwater flow) at these ponds.
Our stormwater management systems
Our stormwater management systems must meet guidelines and regulations set by authorities, such as the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) and the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA).
Providing safe and reliable stormwater service is a core responsibility for the City. To achieve this we are working on a detailed model of the entire stormwater system. Our goal is to understand the system's capacities and limitations. and how to improve it.
There are some risks related to stormwater management ponds, such as flooding, poor water quality and ice.
Drainage and Flooding
During heavy rain or rapid snowmelt, water may pool around your house or accumulate in driveways or patios. This may lead to standing water, difficulty of water flow or unwanted water on your property.
Drainage issues are usually caused by:
- compacted soil
- filled in or blocked side yard
- backyard drainage channels
- blocked private catch basin
- incorrect grading
- improper location and installation of landscape features like a fence or flowerbeds
Storm drains, also called catch basins, are installed next to street curbs to receive and direct storm water into the city storm sewer pipe network. Catch basins that are close to your property need to be kept clean of trash and leaves to prevent flooding.
Managing standing or excess water using landscaping, rain-scaping techniques, proper grading and maintaining your catch basin or stormwater drainage system will reduce surface water getting into your home. Some of these techniques qualify for the stormwater credit program.
Spills and Protection
Oils, paints, and other chemicals that get spilled on or around roadways can enter storm drains and catch basins which flow directly into local creeks, stormwater management ponds and ultimately the Grand River. As spilled chemicals migrate through the environment, they degrade the health of the natural environment in many ways and potentially compromise drinking water supplies in downstream communities.
Protecting our waterways
Protecting the waterways is a joint responsibility between residents, developers and contractors, businesses and industry. We all play a role in keeping our rivers clean. What you do on your property or in the street can impact what flows into the rivers.
| How you can help |
There are many ways you can help support our stormwater management system in Cambridge, such as:
|
| Use less salt and de-icer on your property |
| When the snow melts, do you ever wonder where all that salt and de-icer goes? You guessed it! It flows over our driveways, sidewalks, and roads, into the nearest catch basin, and directly (untreated!) into our waterways. |
| Keep your pavement safe while also keeping our waterways clean |
|
| Clean up after your dog |
| Pet waste left on sidewalks and streets flows into catch basins and out to the river. You hate stepping in it, and fish hate swimming in it. Always pick up after your pet to prevent harmful bacteria from ending up in our water. When it rains, pet waste and other pollutants are carried over our sidewalks, driveways, and roads into the nearest storm drain where they flow - untreated - directly into our nearest water body. Dog waste carries high levels of harmful E. coli bacteria and other pathogens that increase public health risks and can cause infections. |
| Removing sewer covers |
| Sometimes personal items and wildlife fall into catch basins. Only trained city staff are allowed to remove sewer covers and enter catch basins or manholes. We use specialized tools and methods to extract any personal items and wildlife in these unusual circumstances. |
| Call us if observing trash other pollutants being dumped into storm drains |
| Only rain belongs down the storm drain system. Dumping into storm drains is illegal. If you suspect or know of hazardous substances entering drains, call (519) 623-1340, OR email servicecambridge@cambridge.ca |
Stormwater Improvement Projects
The city is working on several projects every year to improve the capacity of local stormwater systems. For more information visit our Current Projects Webpage.
Stormwater Management System Maintenance
The City performs regular maintenance on the conveyance and end-of-pipe systems, including:
- Storm water management pond Inspection & Monitoring program
- Storm water management pond cleaning
- Creek inspection and river dam inspection
- Cleaning of storm sewer pipe and catch basins
- CCTV camera inspections of storm sewer pipes
- Sweeping streets
- Collecting leaves
- Cutting grass
Stormwater Management Studies
The Stormwater Management Master Plan included an assessment of existing drainage infrastructure and deficiencies, and development of management alternatives. The Stormwater Management Master Plan established a set of priority-based recommendations for future maintenance programs to address flood risk and stormwater quality issues throughout Cambridge.
This study followed phases one and two of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA). After the MCEA process, the city will move forward with more detailed studies related to the projects included in the Master Plan.
View further details regarding the City of Cambridge Stormwater Management Master Plan.
Apply to alter stormwater management infrastructure
View the City of Cambridge Infrastructure alterations page to learn how to apply for changes.