Storm Ponds

Alert: Goldfish have been spotted in local storm ponds. Learn more >>

What is a storm pond?

The City of Lethbridge operates more than 30 Storm Ponds located throughout the City. These storm water reservoirs' primary function is to collect and store excess storm water to prevent flooding. Storm ponds are designed with inlets for storm water to enter during high rainfall events and outlets to slowly release excess water afterwards. Some ponds have irrigation make up water to keep them filled, because water from the pond is used to irrigate the park during the summer months. These “lakes” found in your neighbourhood are not constructed to be a public recreational facility.

REMINDER: Water levels and water quality in storm ponds is highly variable and unpredictable. For your health and safety, NO CONTACT is permitted for humans or pets with the storm ponds.
Please - no swimming, wading, skating or boating! (unless otherwise designated)

Why are storm ponds important?

Ponds store excess rainfall during large storm events to prevent flooding of homes and basements.
Ponds help to settle out sediments and other contaminants before being released into the Oldman River.
The naturalized edges of the ponds create habitat for wildlife, birds and insects.

Why does the water not always look or smell good?

Water running into the ponds contains often contains nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) that cause excessive algal blooms and undesirable weed growth.
When the algae and plants die due to normal cycles, overcrowding, cold night time temperatures, chemical treatment or lack of nutirients, the decomposition process reduces the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water making it difficult for aquatic species to live and also intensifies water odour.
Bacteria from animal waste along with other contaminants are health hazards to humans and pets and decreases the quality of water in the pond.
Hot, dry weather can also trigger algae to bloom quickly.

Ways we are working to improve water quality

Diffuser aerators
Pond dye
Floating island wetland treatments
Cattail and weed harvesting
Bi-weekly monitoring and water testing
Vegetation planting
Chemical Treatments when necessary

Storm pond and lake chemical treatments

In accordance with section 68 of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, the City of Lethbridge has been issued an approval by Alberta Environment and Parks to apply Reward Aquatic Herbicide within an open body of water under specific conditions for the control of aquatic vegetation and algae as part of routine maintenance and operation of storm water management ponds.

Areas treated with chemical will be signed 24 hours prior to treatment, these signs will remain in place for 48 hours after treatment is complete.

Ponds will only be treated with chemical means as a last resort to help manage excessive weed and algae growth. Other methods to improve water quality long term will be implemented as part of the integrated plan. Each pond is different and requires individualized treatments and strategies.

May 1 - October 1 2021: Water bodies that may be treated with Reward Aquatic Herbicide can be found here.

How you can help improve the water that enters into storm ponds?

Living near a Storm Pond is like living in a higher “environmental risk zone” than the rest of your neighbours. What you do on your property can directly affect the health of the pond. Luckily, there are several ways you can directly help protect the water quality that enters into storm ponds:

	Title	Accordion Answer
	Lawn and Yard Care	“Grass-cycle” – leave grass clippings on your lawn! They will disappear in a few days and increases your soils fertility by up to 50% “Mow it high and let it lie” – leave your grass at least 8 cm long (this limits weed growth, retains moisture and encourages root growth) Remove unwanted plants using tools, not herbicides! Avoid applying herbicides over your entire lawn, spot treat instead. Limit watering in the spring to encourage root growth and drought-tolerant plants Water lawn in the early morning and avoid over watering. When using a sprinkler system, water only as needed and invest in a timer to prevent over watering. Use rain barrels to catch precipitation runoff – use to water your garden! Drain downspouts on your lawn/landscaping not onto roads, driveways, or alleys. Use mulch (i.e. straw, shredded leaves or newspaper) to conserve water. Use compost as an alternative to chemical fertilizer. Mix plants and utilize companion plants to keep bugs away. Encourage insect-eating birds in your yard by creating bird-friendly habitats. Use soap-based products which will kill bugs without harming you or the plants.
	Vehicles and Equipment	Keep your vehicles maintained. Use adsorbent material to soak up leaks of oil and other vehicle fluids. When adding oil or fuel to vehicle or equipment like a mower, work over a hard surface like concrete and always use a funnel to limit spills. Use less toxic propylene glycol-based antifreeze. Dispose of fluids at designated recycling facilities. Wash your vehicle in a car wash, where water is recycled.
	Sidewalks and Driveways	Sweep snow or debris from your sidewalk and driveway onto your grass or into flower beds rather than washing down the storm drain. Don’t sweep leaves, grass or other debris into the drain; compost or bag them. Use environment-friendly deicers for icy surfaces.
	Hot Tubs and Pool Water	Consider using bromine instead of chlorine to treat pool water, especially hot tubs. Check with supplier about ultraviolet and ozone treatments. Treat hot tub or pool water with a neutralizing product or allow the water to neutralize for several days by removing chemicals (pH should be between 5.5 and 11.0) Discharge of water on your lawn or in flower beds or into the sanitary sewer.
	Pet Waste	Clean up after your pet to avoid contaminating runoff with pathogens found in their fecal droppings. Flush pet wastes down the toilet or deposit in garbage cans.
	Paints, Thinners, and Wood Preservatives	Dispose of toxic products at collection depots, not your regular household waste. NEVER POUR DOWN YOUR DRAIN, ON YOUR LAWN OR DOWN STORM DRAINS.

For more information

Online: Submit a service request
Phone: 311 or 403-320-3111 (if outside of Lethbridge)
Address: City Hall, 910 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 0P6