City staff are reminding residents not to let their dogs swim in stormwater ponds.
“A lot of folks look at storm ponds as pristine man-made lakes, which they are unfortunately not,” said Lorne Stevens, director of community infrastructure.
The ponds, located in most communities within Airdrie, collect and retain stormwater and runoff from roofs and rain to help curb flooding.
The water is slowly released into Nose Creek.
“They (also) allow an opportunity for sediment to filter out,” said Stevens explaining that vegetation along the shore line takes in the nutrients from the water.
Residents and their activities have an impact on the water quality in the storm pond and Stevens said people need to keep in mind a few of the following tips:
•If someone doesn’t pick up after their pet, even in their own yard, if there is a rainfall event, that bacteria contamination will end up in the nearest storm pond.
•Over using fertilizer or herbicide will also have an effect on water quality.
•Polishes and soaps used to clean a car all run into the ponds.
Stevens said any subdivision built in the last 15 to 20 years in Airdrie likely have a stormwater pond.
Sagewood and the Canals are some of the larger examples.
“A lot of folks might not understand the role of that water body in their neighbourhood and we are trying to inform and educate,” he said.
He added the ponds serve a utility function but can also be aesthetically pleasing. For more information, visit the City website at www.airdrie.ca
