![]() At best, the vast majority of homeowners’ associations may hire a lake or pond maintenance service that occasionally removes algae and applies chemicals in an attempt to maintain water quality.īut a retention pond is not equivalent to a swimming pool. Most privately owned retention ponds and wetland preserves (or conservation areas) are poorly maintained and managed. The truth is, the longer a retention pond or wetland exists, the more likely it is to create a nuisance which will eventually bring down property values. While preserve lots can be naturally attractive, the home buyer needs to be aware that being up close and personal with Mother Nature sometimes has its disadvantages. Some developments also incorporate a natural or manmade wetland (marshy or swampy preserve) to collect stormwater and to serve as a habitat for wildlife. Home buyers or condo tenants rave about their view of a “natural” setting. Fish, ducks, and water-loving animals thrive. When they are relatively new, water in the pond tends to be relatively clear. In fact, developers often charge a premium price for a “water view” lot, where homes are constructed within a few feet of these stormwater basins. So, several decades ago, home builders and savvy real estate professionals decided to sell housing consumers on the notion that these small lakes and ponds are attractive water features. That’s why developers needed to find a way to market homes near some of the more obvious stormwater features, including retention ponds. That’s not exactly a selling point for home buyers, is it? ![]() The stated goal of retention ponds also known as “wet basins” or “detention basins,” is to reduce the downstream flow of polluted stormwater, preventing erosion and contamination of watershed areas or private property.īasically, all private property owners in newer association-governed communities are expected to maintain and manage their own stormwater infrastructure, with little or no guidance, assistance, or oversight from local government. Stormwater ponds, at least in theory, provide added environmental benefits of slowing down the flow of water, filtering contaminants naturally, and allowing debris and silt to sink to the bottom of the basin. So…a system of drainage ditches, swales, underground storm water pipes, and water collection basins are constructed to prevent flooded streets and basements in the community or properties downstream. Each rooftop, paved driveway or parking lot, and every road creates hard surfaces that don’t absorb rainwater. ![]() Here’s a dirty little secret that the real estate industry doesn’t want you to know: state and local law requires that virtually all new development must be designed to collect and control the stormwater runoff it will create. ![]()
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