Retention Ponds

What Is a Retention Pond (and How It Works)

A retention pond — also called a stormwater or wet detention pond — is a man-made basin designed to collect and hold stormwater runoff from streets, roofs, parking lots, and lawns. The pond slows the movement of stormwater, allowing sediments and debris to settle while natural processes filter pollutants. The cleaner water is then released in a controlled manner into canals or wetlands. Many ponds in St. Lucie West maintain a permanent pool of water that supports both stormwater treatment and wildlife habitat.

Benefits to the St. Lucie West Community

• Flood control: Retention ponds store excess stormwater during heavy rainfall, reducing flooding risks in nearby neighborhoods.
• Water quality protection: They trap sediments and pollutants, improving the quality of water entering the regional drainage system.
• Wildlife and aesthetics: The ponds provide habitat for birds, fish, and aquatic plants, enhancing neighborhood beauty and ecological value.
• Environmental compliance: Proper maintenance ensures compliance with state and local stormwater management standards.

How the Public Works Department Maintains Ponds

The SLWSD Public Works Department is responsible for ensuring that retention ponds throughout St. Lucie West remain safe, functional, and environmentally sound. Its team performs regular inspections and maintenance to keep the system operating efficiently year-round.

Key responsibilities include:

• Routine inspections to identify erosion, blockages, structural damage, or excessive vegetation.
• Vegetation management to maintain a healthy balance of native shoreline plants while controlling invasive species.
• Sediment removal to restore pond capacity and water flow.
• Trash and debris cleanup to prevent clogging and pollution.
• Structural repairs to pond banks, outfall pipes, and control structures to preserve hydraulic function.
• Water quality monitoring to track clarity, nutrients, and compliance with environmental standards.

Managing Pond Levels and Storm Gates

In addition to routine maintenance, the Public Works Department actively manages pond water levels by operating the District’s storm gates and control structures. These gates connect the pond system to larger drainage canals that eventually flow into regional waterways.

• Before storms or hurricanes: Public Works staff pre-lower pond levels by gradually releasing water through storm gates. This creates extra storage capacity to absorb incoming rainfall during severe weather events.
• During storms: The Department closely monitors rainfall, inflow rates, and canal conditions to adjust gates as needed. Gate operations are coordinated with regional agencies to ensure safe and balanced drainage.
• After storms: Once conditions stabilize, staff inspect ponds for debris, erosion, and any damage to infrastructure, then restore normal pond levels.

This proactive stormwater management helps reduce flooding risks across St. Lucie West and ensures the system performs as designed even under extreme weather conditions.

How Residents Can Help Keep Ponds Healthy

Healthy ponds are a shared responsibility. Residents can play a major role by following a few simple steps:

Do:

• Keep storm drains and inlets clear of debris and yard waste.
• Bag or compost grass clippings instead of blowing them into streets or ponds.
• Use fertilizers sparingly and follow label instructions.
• Plant native vegetation along pond edges where allowed to stabilize soil and filter runoff.
• Report flooding, erosion, or dumping issues to SLWSD Customer Service.

Don’t:

• Don’t dump yard waste, oil, paint, or chemicals into storm drains or ponds.
• Don’t feed ducks or other wildlife — this adds nutrients and disrupts pond balance.
• Don’t remove vegetation or tamper with District-maintained pond areas or structures.

In Short

Retention ponds are vital to St. Lucie West’s stormwater system. They protect homes from flooding, improve water quality, and support local ecology. The SLWSD Public Works Department manages pond maintenance and water levels — including storm gate operations during tropical weather — to keep the system ready for any condition. Residents can help by practicing simple environmental habits that keep our ponds clean, healthy, and resilient.

If you witness anyone tampering with these retention ponds (fishing, throwing things inside, etc.), please report it to our Public Works Department. Contact information can be found under our  Contact Us page.