Stormwater Management

Stormwater ponds are an essential part of the City's drainage system. Learn how they prevent flooding in our community and how they contribute to the ecosystem through naturalization.

Understanding stormwater management

The City’s stormwater ponds do more than control water flow; they help protect the community and environment. Whether you’re curious about how they work or how they’re different from natural ponds, here’s what you need to know about their important role and how you can contribute.

What are stormwater ponds?

Stormwater ponds are different than natural ponds.

Natural ponds are:

  • Self-sustaining waterbodies
  • Naturally-occuring ecosystems with stable water levels

Stormwater ponds are engineered and designed to:

  • Collect rain and snowmelt from:
    • Rooftops
    • Streets
    • Land
  • Prevent flooding by slowing the flow of stormwater into the drainage system and
  • Improve water quality before it flows into the North Saskatchewan River.

Here’s how they work:

  • Collection: Rainwater and snowmelt enter underground pipes through catch basins across Beaumont.
  • Flood mitigation: During heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt, stormwater ponds are designed to slow the flow of water into the drainage system to prevent roads and communities from flooding. During and after periods of heavy rain, you may see stormwater pond levels rising quickly, which is exactly what they’re meant to do.
  • Filtration: Stormwater ponds filter our pollutants through plants and microorganisms and help settle dirt, sand and other settlement to the bottom to help clean and filter the water before it flows back into nearby water bodies and, eventually, back to the North Saskatchewan River.

Stormwater pond safety

Stormwater ponds aren’t just decorative water features; they are part of the City’s drainage system. With water flowing constantly in and out below the surface, water levels can change quickly. This makes stormwater ponds unsafe for any recreational activities year-round.

If you see anyone in immediate danger on, in or near a stormwater pond, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Stormwater ponds aren’t safe for any type of winter recreational activities, including skating, sledding, walking or cross-country skiing. Stick to marked pathways and avoid any activity on or near pond surfaces.

Here’s why the ice is dangerous:

  • Ice thickness is unpredictable: With working drainage pipes below the surface, water is constantly flowing in and out of facilities during the entire year, including winter. This water also contains contaminants like road salt, which can melt the ice from underneath the surface. This can make ice appear thicker in some areas and thinner in others.
  • Hazards are hard to see: snow can cover up hazards on the surface, like thin ice, open ice or other unsafe ice conditions.
  • Snow-covered banks: During winter, snow can cover up banks and vegetation, making it difficult to see steep banks or the ice surface, which could cause slips or falls onto the ice surface.

Where to go instead:

Skate safely at one of Beaumont’s outdoor rinks or head indoors for public skating or shinny at the Ken Nichol Regional Recreation Centre or the Beaumont Sport and Recreation Centre.

Stormwater ponds are also unsafe for swimming, paddling, boating or wading. Keep these precautions in mind during the spring and summer:

  • Fluctuating water levels that rise quickly: Stormwater ponds are designed to slow down and store excess rainfall and water to protect communities from flooding. Water levels can rise quickly, especially during or after rainfall.
  • Slippery banks: Pond banks can be muddy, slick and unstable. Stay back from the edge to avoid slipping or falling into the water.
  • Muddy bottoms: Stormwater ponds collect sediment such as mud, silt and sand, which can make the bottom soft and unstable and creates a risk of getting stuck or sinking.
  • Keep kids and pets safe: Keep kids on designated paths to avoid slippery banks and keep your pets on a leash – do not let pets swim in or drink the water.
  • Be safe during and after heavy rain: Avoid pond areas during heavy rain, as water levels can rise quickly. If paths are flooded or blocked by barricades, stay back and wait for the water to go down before using the path.

Living near a storm pond

If your property backs onto a stormwater pond, you likely have a utility right-of-way easement registered on your property title. Here’s what it means for you:

  • No permanent structures in easement areas. You cannot build permanent structures, like sheds, fences, decks, or large landscaping features, within the easement area. This rule applies even if the easement is part of your yard. Always check your property report before starting a project and apply for any permits you may need.
  • City access may be required: While rare, city crews may need access to the easement to inspect, repair or complete maintenance at any time.
  • Protect water quality: Never dump oil, chemicals, soapy water or pet waste down catch basins or into stormwater ponds, and limit fertilizer use where possible. These all end up in the water and impact water quality in ponds.
  • Water levels may rise and approach your yard: Stormwater ponds are designed to hold more water than usual during heavy rain and slowly release it back into the drainage system over several days. When this happens, water may rise into the easement area in your yard before draining.

If you are concerned about water levels near your home, let the City know by submitting an inquiry through the Report a Non-Emergency tool. City crews will come out to inspect the area.

More on stormwater management

Stormwater management areas are intentionally left to grow wild, a process called naturalization.

Naturalization allows native plants and grasses to grow freely, creating a natural buffer zone that helps:

  • Clean water: Native plants absorb pollutants, improving the quality of runoff water.
  • Reduce erosion: Plant roots hold soil in place, especially during heavy rainfalls.
  • Biodiversity: Natural areas support wildlife, from birds to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
  • Control algae: Native plants absorb nutrients that can otherwise lead to algae overgrowth.

Since stormwater ponds are intentionally left to grow wild and promote naturalization, these areas are not mowed to help promote the growth of natural plants. By letting these areas grow naturally, it promotes natural plant growth and healthy habitats for wildlife. It also attracts dragonflies and birds, which helps control mosquitoes.

Residents may occasionally notice temporary odours during certain times of the year, like spring, when vegetation decomposes. This is a temporary, seasonal change that will not last long. If you have concerns about odour, or if it lasts longer than usual, you can report it through the Report a Non-Emergency tool and the City will investigate.

 

The Utilities & Storm Water Management Master Plan is a strategic plan to guide Beaumont’s progress in updating the water distribution and wastewater systems to support the responsible and planned expansion of the community.

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Utilities and Storm Water Management Master Plan

This plan helps evaluate the impacts of policies and decisions to promote safe and reliable water distribution, stormwater management and wastewater systems.