Retention ponds vary in size: Some are the size of lakes; others are no more than 15 to 20 feet in diameter. ... Johns River Water Management District, which is responsible for permitting retention ponds in Central Florida, requires the fencing of any pond that drops more than 1 foot for every 4 feet of distance.
Can you drown in a retention pond?
Risk #1: Drowning
They can also be deep and have a steep drop off at the water’s edge, since they’re designed for maximum rainwater collection. Muddy bottoms and slippery sides can make it difficult for someone to escape.
Do retention ponds require fences?
Every person in possession of land within the city, either in the capacity of owner, purchaser under contract, lessee, tenant or licensee, upon which there is situated a swimming pool or a detention/retention pond shall at all times maintain a fence , wall or other enclosure not less than four feet in height completely ...
Is it bad to live next to a retention pond?
While there are some advantages to living near a retention pond—peace and quiet, green space, fewer neighbors nearby, and a decreased risk of flooding —potential buyers have other factors to consider. For example, there is a constant danger of drowning for families with young children.
Why are there fences around ponds in Florida?
Retention ponds need to be secured with 6-foot barbed wire fencing and posted with regulatory signs for the safety and protection of people, motorist and pets. Ponds are constructed for drainage and environmental purposes and not for swimming, fishing and picnic, etc.
How deep can my pond be without a fence?
If there is a risk of children or adults drowning surely, we should apply similar rules to all bodies of water? However, most jurisdictions mandate pool safety fences if the pool, spa or pond is deeper than 30cm , and the fence needs to be at least 1.2m high with no foot holds eg prevent climbing.
What is a water retention pond?
Retention ponds are ponds or pools designed with additional storage capacity to attenuate surface runoff during rainfall events . They consist of a permanent pond area with landscaped banks and surroundings to provide additional storage capacity during rainfall events.
Are you liable if someone drowns in your pond?
For drownings in private pools (such as backyard pools), the property owner or renter may be liable . This is especially true if the owner did not abide by the state’s safety requirements. In California for example, pool owners must maintain special enclosures, safety latches, and alarms.
Is it legal to fish retention ponds?
A: It is legal to fish storm water retention ponds , so long as the angler has a valid fishing license, said Lisa Coleman of the city’s engineering department. ... When water levels are higher, it creates a channel for fish to use to enter the system, Coleman said.
Why do Walmarts have ponds?
You’ve probably seen retention ponds without knowing what their real purpose is. They can be found near places like a Walmart or Menards. ... Retention ponds are built to control water runoff and to help limit flooding .
Why do new subdivisions have retention ponds?
The hard surfaces divert the water and move it more quickly increasing the risk of downstream erosion and flooding . To reduce this risk, neighborhoods are required to build stormwater retention basins and detention ponds.
Do retention ponds stink?
Unmaintained retention ponds can become a source of unpleasant smells as well as mosquito breeding grounds, toxins in the groundwater and cause other aesthetic issues. If your retention pond is giving off an unpleasant smell, call the experts at PowerVac today.
How far should a pond be from a house?
Setting a pond closer than the recommended or regulated limits is likely to result in damage when the water overtops the banks. Even if you’re not working with any specific guidelines from your zoning department or permit office, consider leaving a barrier of at least 50 to 100 feet between your home and a small pond.
Can you fish in retention ponds in Florida?
The most common types of fish that can be found in retention ponds are largemouth bass but it is possible to locate bluegill, shellcrackers, crappie and catfish . Workman, who oversees the Northeast office for FWC, also grew up fishing in retention ponds as a kid in Ocala.
How deep are retention ponds in Florida?
A retention pond is set to hold a certain amount of water indefinitely, which is why this pond is also called a “wet pond.” A typical retention pond is only 8-10 feet deep , and with water already in it, a storm surges the size of Irma would definitely fill up any remaining space and then some.
Do you need a permit to build a pond in Florida?
Who needs a permit? A permit is required for the construction, alteration, repair, or abandonment of impoundments, dams, or works which impound, drain, or divert water . Farm ponds are regulated by this rule, but not aquaculture or recreation impoundments.
