Detention Ponds
Detention ponds used for storm water management provide temporary storage of rainwater runoff. Where the capacity of a downstream pipe or stream is less than the runoff flows from development, a detention pond temporarily stores water so it can be released slower for a longer amount of time.
Detention ponds come in different shapes and size and can be wet or dry.
They can also provide water quality benefits and wildlife habitat for fish, birds, and amphibians. Frequently where a detention pond is desired to help service a new development it is incorporated into a park setting for the benefit of Surrey residents.
Where detention ponds are designed to be wet ponds, they include landscaping and vegetation improve the aesthetics and to encourage wildlife. A visit to any detention pond will provide an opportunity to see the variety of wildlife that populates the area. Wet ponds and wetlands located in Surrey are safe because birds and frogs naturally control insects along with the City’s pest management system. (Information on the City’s mosquitoes control is available here) (Link to mosquitoes)
Detention ponds can even be located below ground in the form of a detention tank. Due to the land requirements for a pond, many commercial developments choose to locate any required detention below ground, enabling the dual use of the same area for both surface access and drainage.
Detention ponds can be one component of the sustainable drainage features of a development project or of a community.
Design details for detention ponds can be found in the City of Surrey engineering design criteria manual.