University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center 2007 Annual Report
About Retention Ponds General Information Performance Data Water
Quality Treatment Process Design During the first year of
operation, the retention pond at UNHSC was reasonably effective
in removing many of the pollutants commonly found in runoff.
However, during its second year, researchers observed a
reduction in its water quality performance. This indicates that
its performance may continue to diminish over time. Back to List
of Evaluated Treatments About Retention Ponds Retention ponds,
or “wet ponds,” are among the most common stormwater treatment
systems used today. They are not to be confused with detention
basins or “dry basins,” which hold runoff for a specified period
of time, and then release the entire volume of the runoff.
Retention ponds retain a resident pool of standing water, which
improves water quality treatment between storms. Retention ponds
demonstrate a reasonably strong water quality treatment,
particularly in comparison