Stormwater Management Ponds

Stormwater management ponds (SWMPs) help control the flow of surface water from a rain storm or melting snow.

In developed areas where you see a lot of pavements and buildings, water travels over the hard surfaces, into our storm sewers and reaches our lakes and rivers very quickly. SWMPs collect and slow this water runoff.

Without SWMPs, large amounts of water would enter a lakes and rivers all at once causing flooding and erosion.

Map of Storm Water Management Ponds in Oakville.

How stormwater management ponds work

Our stormwater management system carries water from hard surfaces and directs it into a SWMP using structures like storm drains (catch basins) and storm sewers.

All SWMPs have at least one inlet that deposits water from the storm sewers into the pond. The pond's outlet releases water from the pond into a nearby creek system at a controlled rate, limiting the potential for erosion and flooding in our rivers and lakes.

SWMPs also improve water quality! The permanent pool of water in the pond allows any debris in the stormwater to settle to the bottom before water is released into the stream. The areas around the SWMP are usually landscaped with dense natural plants, also helping to filter sediment and debris from the stormwater.

Visit our YouTube channel to learn more about how these ponds work.

Safety: SWMPs are not for recreation

Stormwater management ponds are not safe for recreational use

For your health and safety recreational activities are prohibited, including, but not limited to:

Swimming
Skating
Wading
Boating
Fishing
Sledding

Due to water constantly moving in and out of the pond, water levels can change quickly. In addition, ice that forms in the winter is unpredictable because there may be salt in the water.

Make the safe choice and stay out of the SWMPs.

Safety/warning signs have been placed at each of the ponds to inform you of prohibited activities. If you visit our ponds with younger family members or friends, please review the warnings and make sure everybody understands.

For more on stormwater management pond safety, here is a message from our Fire Chief.

Pond maintenance

Town staff maintain SWMPs once the pond has been built. Routine maintenance includes:

Removal of debris in and around the pond
Removal of invasive plants
Maintenance of structures (gates, locks, valves, etc.)
Maintenance of surrounding plants

Non-routine maintenance includes:

Bank stabilization
Structure repairs
Draining the pond to remove excess sediment

How residents can help keep the SWMPs healthy

A few things that you can do to help our SWMPs include:

Dispose of trash properly to avoid litter build up in and around the pond
Dispose of your grass clippings or leaves properly to avoid build up in and around the pond
Minimize the use of fertilizer
Avoid disturbing the plants around the pond
Avoid draining swimming pools or dumping toxic substances (oil, anti freeze) into the pond or into storm sewers that lead to the pond
Report evidence of beaver activity (damming) or other animal activity by calling 905-845-6601
Do not plant any trees in a park area that contains the SWMP without approval from the town
Obey all signs posted around the ponds

Benefits of a litter clean up!

Reduce the potential for clogging outlets, trash racks, and other parts of the pond
Prevent damage to plants
Reduce potential mosquito breeding habitats
A nice looking pond
Reduce conditions for surface algae