Retention Ponds

The Province of Manitoba has directed the City to stop using herbicides on water weeds. This may contribute to more vegetation growth.

Retention ponds, also known as storm water retention basins, have been built in communities across Winnipeg to:

Collect and store runoff to keep our sewer system from being overloaded, allowing it to work more efficiently
Accommodate large water fluctuations, like those that occur during snow melt or heavy rains
Act as a natural filter to help remove pollutants like fertilizers, automotive oils, street salt or animal waste from land and street runoff, prior to it entering into local rivers and streams

Since the runoff that flows into the retention ponds can contain the pollutants mentioned above, residents and their pets should not:

Use retention ponds for winter recreation, such as skating, as these pollutants can negatively impact the quality of the ice on the pond surface and make it unsafe
Use retention ponds for recreational purposes where your body is in contact with the water
Consume water or fish from a retention pond
Use water from a retention pond to water your lawn or garden

If you see someone in distress in a retention pond or any other body of water, call 911.

What are retention ponds?

Retention pond safety

Vegetation & wildlife

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