What are dry and wet ponds?
The storm-drainage system has over 30 storage ponds. They hold water that exceeds the capacity of the underground storm-drainage pipes. About 20 of the ponds are called dry ponds because they hold water only during and shortly after rainfalls. The other ponds are called wet ponds because they hold water all the time. The dry ponds are designed to hold the quantity of water that is handled by the storm drainage system. The wet ponds help handle the quantity and improve the quality of the storm water discharges. The quality of the water is improved by removing solids through sedimentation. For example, the sedimentation pond at 69th Street SW and Richmond Road improves the storm water that enters the Elbow River and the Glenmore Reservoir. The pond at 69th Street SW also has a pilot project wetland to improve the water quality. Another pilot project wetland is in Edgemont. Almost all the dry ponds have ultrasonic sensors that record water depths. The sensors also inform staff at the Bonn
