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Stormwater Pond Issues

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On this page

• Water Quality in the Pond
• Storm Drain Problems
• Ponds and Mosquitoes
• Pond Safety Signage

Related Links

• Prevent Stormwater Pollution
• Protect Your Watershed
• Stormwater Facility Maintenance Program

Get Help

File an Incident Report Form (online form)

For questions or to report a problem/violation call:
311

Water Quality in the Pond

If you have a problem with a stormwater facility, such as odor, standing water, or trash and debris, contact DEP at 311 or submit an online complaint form.

Storm Drain Problems

If you believe a storm drain is not operating effectively, you may call the Division of Highway Services (DHS) at 311. DHS addresses issues such as blocked storm drains.

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Stormwater Ponds and Mosquitoes

Stormwater facilities that are functioning as they were designed will not cause mosquito problems. Most facilities, except wet ponds, are designed to drain within 72 hours. For complaints about mosquitoes, contact the Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

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Pond Safety Signage

Example of acceptable signage.

The Montgomery County Code (section 36-3) requires that a person who owns or controls land that includes a publicly accessible pond must post warning signs around the pond and at any major approach to the pond, such as a path. A publicly accessible pond is defined as a water impoundment that:

• Retains a permanent pool more than 24 inches deep and 20 feet across at its widest point
• Is not a swimming pool as defined in Chapter 51 of the Montgomery County Code
• Is not surrounded by a continuous, permanent fence or barrier (at least 4 feet high with no opening wider than 2 inches) within 100 feet of the shoreline

The County Code has established standards for warning signs, including the size, message, construction, placement, and maintenance. They are listed in the table below.

Standards for Pond Safety/Warning Signs

Issue Standards

Placement

• Warning signs must be posted on all sides of a publicly accessible pond and at any major approach to the pond, such as a path.
• Warning signs may be posted in the pond or on the shore.
• Warning signs must be visible from the shore and not obscured by vegetation or other obstructions.
• Warning signs at golf courses may be posted at the main entrance to the golf course rather than at each pond.

Size

• Warning signs must be at least 18 inches high by 24 inches wide.
• The lettering on warning signs must be at least 2 inches high, and any graphics must be large enough to be clearly seen.

Construction

• Warning signs must be made of a weather-resistant material such as metal, pressure-treated wood, plastic, or an approved equivalent.
• All lettering, graphics, and the surface of the sign must be composed of a weather-resistant material.
• The sign must be securely anchored.

Message

• The warning sign must, at a minimum, warn that entering the water to swim, skate, or boat is unsafe. The sign may use the international symbols for prohibited activities.
• The sign must provide a legible written message and appropriate graphics.

Maintenance

• Warning signs required under Chapter 36 must be maintained in good condition by the person who owns or controls land that includes a publicly accessible pond.

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