Balancing ponds are a part of sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) commonly found around new construction projects, such as residential and commercial property developments. Here, we explain exactly how they work, the benefits of having one in place, potential issues with balancing ponds, how they’re maintained, and more.
What Are Balancing Ponds For?
Balancing ponds are engineered structures designed to manage and control the volume and the rate of rainwater entering the drainage system. In addition to the benefits of SUDS, this prevents drainage systems from becoming overwhelmed and reduces the likelihood of flooding during heavy rainfall.
How Do Balancing Ponds Work?
When rainfall occurs, balancing ponds collect surface water and retain it for a period, allowing some water to soak into the ground and some water to be released into the atmosphere. Any excess water is gradually released into the drainage system. By slowing down the release of rainwater, balancing ponds act as a buffer against sudden rainwater surges that can overwhelm drainage systems downstream. Essentially, they act as temporary reservoirs, as they’re placed strategically to collect water in areas most prone to flooding.
Are Balancing Ponds the Same as Attenuation Ponds?
There are similarities between balancing ponds and attenuation ponds, but they aren’t exactly the same thing.
Attenuations ponds temporarily hold and gradually release water into the sewer system to prevent flooding. Balancing ponds do the same thing, however they are also designed to improve water quality by offering a natural purification process.
How Do Balancing Ponds Improve Water Quality?
When rainwater and run off collect in balancing ponds, sediments settle at the bottom of the pond and pollutants are naturally filtered out. This ensures the water released is of higher quality.
Where Do You Find Balancing Ponds?
You’ll typically find balancing ponds on construction sites such as new build estates and commercial developments, as well as in the development of new roads. This is because the drainage systems on new construction projects can become easily overwhelmed due to the excess of water that suddenly begins being discharged in the region.
What Are the Benefits of Balancing Ponds?
As so much rural land is being converted to housing or commercial developments, balancing ponds act as a way of supporting the local drainage system, minimising the risk of flooding and water pollution, in regions where there is suddenly a surge in water discharge.
Balancing ponds are important because:
- They serve as reservoirs that collect and store water, draining it slowly to mitigate flooding and protect infrastructure.
- They safeguard communities from flooding risks, including waterlogged rural areas and slippery roads.
- They enhance water quality through their natural purification capabilities.
- Balancing ponds offer a solution to increasing urbanisation that also acts in the interests of the environment, meaning they support sustainable development; thanks to balancing ponds, towns, and cities are able to expand without increased flood risk and compromised water quality.
What Are the Potential Issues With Balancing Ponds?
There are some potential issues and downsides with balancing ponds that have to be considered, such as:
- Invasive species – invasive species such as algae and other troublesome creatures can create habitats out of balancing ponds, which increases the amount of maintenance they need.
- Risks to safety – balancing ponds should be clearly marked and fenced off to minimise any risks to safety.
- Silt build-up – silt and other debris could build up in a balancing pond if it’s not well maintained, which reduces its capacity to hold water and therefore impacts its effectiveness.
Do Balancing Ponds Eliminate Flood Risks?
No single drainage solution can completely eliminate the risk of flooding. Balancing ponds should form part of a comprehensive drainage plan, with other solutions in place, all working to minimise the impact and potential damage caused by flooding as much as possible.
How Do You Maintain a Balancing Pond?
Balancing ponds requires routine maintenance visits throughout the year to remove any debris, silt, or excessive plant growth from the pond. If these products are allowed to build up for too long, the overall water capacity of the pond will decrease, presenting an increased risk of flooding.
In addition, balancing ponds need an annual or bi-annual inspection to check for any wear and tear and ensure they are working to the best of their ability.
During a scheduled balancing pond maintenance visit, a drainage engineer will attend your site and assess the work that needs to be carried out.
Some of the techniques a drainage engineer might use to maintain the drain include:
- Desilting – if the pond contains a lot of silt and debris, a high-pressure drain jet will be used to break it down before it’s excavated out of the pond.
- Emptying and refilling – a routine part of maintaining a balancing pond is to empty it so it can be cleaned. Once the maintenance work has been completed, the pond can be refilled with rainwater.
Who’s Responsible for Maintaining Balancing Ponds?
Various parties have responsibility for maintaining balancing ponds. Typically, landowners are responsible for drainage solutions – including balancing ponds – which are on their land, unless the systems have been adopted by another party. Other parties can include local authorities, water companies, homeowners’ associations and private companies enlisted to maintain them.
Metro Rod’s Support
Metro Rod can help avoid unwanted flooding through our balancing pond desilting services. Our tankers allow us to remove silt from balancing ponds, ensuring they remain efficient and operable.
Our local drainage experts are located nationwide, and available 24/7, 365 days a year. They are dedicated to delivering fast, efficient, and trustworthy drainage solutions whenever you need them. To discuss our balancing pond desilting and maintenance services, contact your local depot or call us on 0800 66 88 00.
Talk to your local Metro Rod specialist
We are always happy to arrange a free site assessment and no obligation quotations for any work you might need. Alternatively, you can call our emergency hotline number on 0800 66 88 00
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