1. Most community ponds are man-made
2. No two waterbodies are the same
3. Ponds“ age” naturally, but human activity is accelerating this process
4. Shoreline maintenance is equally important
5. Proactive management goes beyond weed and algae control
1. Most community ponds are man-made
First, it’ s important to understand that most community waterbodies are man-made. In urban spaces, there are few areas where water can naturally absorb into the ground. Instead, it flows over roads, sidewalks, and other impervious surfaces. Stormwater ponds prevent flooding by safely redirecting water to nearby streams, rivers, or lakes.
2. No two waterbodies are the same
Ponds are constantly changing and influenced by dozens of factors, including weather patterns, sunlight, topography, land use, their depth and size, and even wildlife that are present in and around the waterbody. Because no two waterbodies are the same, a one-size-fits-all management program is less likely to help you achieve your goals; strategies that work for a pond in another community may not work for yours, so it’ s important to develop a custom plan that supports the unique characteristics of your waterbody.
3. Ponds“ age” naturally, but human activity is accelerating this process
Over time, lakes and ponds undergo a natural aging process called eutrophication, where they accumulate nutrients like phosphorus. However, human activities can accelerate this process through poor agricultural and landscaping practices, urban development, fertilizer use, and pollution stemming from trash, detergents, sewage, pet waste, and motor oil. Stormwater ponds that become inundated with excess nutrients are more likely to
WWW. CAIWeSTFlORIDA. ORg develop nuisance aquatic weeds, algae, and toxic cyanobacteria( blue-green algae). It ' s important to educate community members about these nutrient pollution sources so they can make responsible choices that support healthy community waterbodies.
community • June 2025
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4. Shoreline maintenance is equally important
lake and pond shorelines play a direct and vital role in the health of a waterbody. The shoreline acts as a buffer zone between land and water, providing a transition area that supports a diverse range of plant and animal life. Healthy shoreline vegetation helps filter pollutants, stabilize the soil, prevent erosion, and reduce the impact of stormwater runoff. Shoreline deterioration is often the first indicator of an unhealthy waterbody. In addition to endangering residents and increasing liability concerns for a community, unstable shorelines can exacerbate nutrient loading and other water quality problems.
5. Proactive management goes beyond weed and algae control
Weeds and algae are not just unsightly, they’ re often a symptom of a more serious problem. During the eutrophication process, the
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