The restoration or rehabilitation of stormwater ponds is essential to the health of our lakes, creeks, rivers and bays.  All stormwater ponds should have a landscape design.  This design is critical to the success of the pond.  Aquatic vegetation used to stabilize a pond and to remove pollutants is a vital link that helps maintain water quality.  Other amenities that a properly designed pond may have are increased wildlife habitat, recreation areas, and aesthetic vistas.

• Thick growths of algae in lakes, ponds, and rivers come from poorly managed stormwater?
• Stormwater puts up to nine times more oxygen demand on a body of water than, for example, industrial discharge?
• 80% to 90% of the heavy metals that reach Florida�s waters come from stormwater?
• Restoration programs have demonstrated that stormwater pollution can be reversed?

To learn more about this topic and how you can participate in the Adopt-A-Pond program, visit our webpage at the Hillsborough County Watershed Atlas or Atlas or contact us by phone, mail or email.  You can request our Adopt-A-Pond Information Booklet when you contact our office.