Adopt-A-Pond is sponsored by the Cooperative Funding Initiative program of the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. The restoration or rehabilitation of stormwater ponds is essential to the health of our lakes, creeks, rivers and bays.
All stormwater ponds should have a landscape design. This design is critical to the success of the pond. Aquatic vegetation used to stabilize a pond and remove pollutants is a vital link that helps maintain water quality. Other amenities that a properly designed pond may have are increased wildlife habitat, recreation areas, and aesthetic vistas.
By understanding stormwater pond management and the use of proper aquatic plants, individuals can participate in the improvement of our surface water quality.
Facts
The Hillsborough County Stormwater program is a stepping stone by County government to initiate the improvement of stormwater quality. Stormwater runoff is now considered the State’s largest water pollution source.
- Algae blooms in lakes, ponds, and rivers are the result of poorly managed stormwater.
- Stormwater contributes nine times more oxygen demanding substances to water bodies than point sources (industrial effluent discharges).
- Stormwater contributes approximately 80–95% of the heavy metals that reach Florida waters.
- Nutrient loads from stormwater runoff are comparable to those in secondarily treated sewage effluent discharges.
- Restoration programs have demonstrated stormwater pollution can be reversed.
Requirements
County
- Supply native aquatic vegetation
- Provide guidance for restoration design
- Obtain approval from government agencies for the pond restoration
- Post signage upon the initiation of the pond restoration
Adopters
Adopters should have a 3-year commitment to maintain the pond four times a year.
What is a stormwater pond?
A stormwater pond is part of the infrastructure for land use management. The pond provides for water quality protection as well as flood protection.
Why are aquatic plants important for stormwater ponds?
Native aquatic plants utilize (take up) excess nutrients, helping to maintain water quality.
Where can aquatic plants be obtained?
Native aquatic plants can be obtained through the Adopt-A-Pond program and local nurseries.
How can I adopt a pond?
Contact Hillsborough County Specialized Services, Stormwater Management at (813) 744-5671 or visit Hillsborough County’s Adopt-A-Pond program web page for more information.
Maintaining a pond
- Easy on the pesticides, please. Don’t overspray your garden with pesticides and herbicides, or else it runs back into the nearest lake, creek, river or Tampa Bay. Look for nontoxic alternatives whenever possible and pull weeds by hand.
- Use chemical fertilizers sparingly and well away from any lake, creek, river, or the Bay. Although you may not live on a lake, creek, river or the Bay, your lawn drains into the street and then into the Bay.
- Avoid insecticides and herbicides. They may be toxic to wildlife or damaging to our Bay. Use them sparingly and strictly according to the label directions.
- Avoid contaminating your pond with grass clippings. Make a clean sweep of your driveway and sidewalks and put the trash in a can instead of the gutter, or use your garden clippings to fertilize your lawn. Don’t forget, whatever trash and animal droppings you pick up won’t end up in the bay.
- Plant, don’t pave. Ground cover minimizes runoff and it’s prettier than concrete.
- Redirect rain runoff from roofs, patios and driveways. Rain runoff should drain into the soil first and then slowly into a water body. Runoff that goes directly into a water body carries leaves, fertilizers and grass clippings.
- Watering the driveway won’t make it grow. Save the hose for gardening, not sweeping. Wash your car on the lawn (easy on the soap), which will help filter out detergents. Use biodegradable detergents with little or no phosphate.
- Storm drains are only for rainwater. Drop off used motor oil at gas stations or garages that recycle. Motor oil is extremely toxic. Never pour used motor oil, leaves, lawn clippings or any other waste material into storm drains.
- Not all plants are bad. Vegetation along stormwater ponds, including weeds, helps absorb nutrients and pollutants that might drain into the Bay. “Good” plants growing in the water absorb nutrients that might cause blooms of “bad” plants such as hydrilla or algae. Good plants make water bodies a better place for fishing.
- Add swales and berms to your pondside yard. A swale is a small dip in the slope of your yard. It catches storm water and filters it through the ground before draining into the pond. A berm is a small hump next to the swale. A berm helps hold water in a swale until it seeps into the ground.
