Pilot plant study for one year: Water quality management and algal control of sustainable urban stormwater ponds

Pond structures as cost-effective 'source control' drainage techniques that can be applied to reduce the risk of downstream flooding and to recycle stormwater. There are no widely accepted performance and water quality management data on stormwater ponds, yet there is a need for operation and maintenance guidelines, coupled with data on reliability, economics and public acceptance. The purpose of this case study is to investigate sustainability of stormwater pond systems and to recommend water quality management guidelines including pH and algal control. A pilot plant designed according to best management practice for roof runoff was investigated. The system was based on a combined silt trap, attenuation wetland and dry pond system constructed to receive roof water runoff from a single domestic property. The significance of the findings for the community was assessed. Public acceptance and perception of stormwater ponds was tested via a questionnaire survey.