10 Signs Your Atlanta Retention Pond Needs Cleaning Now

Why Retention Pond Cleaning Is Important in Atlanta

Retention ponds are special ponds built to hold extra rainwater, especially during storms. They help stop flooding, keep trash and dirt out of rivers, and protect neighborhoods.

In Atlanta, these ponds are very important because the city gets heavy rainfall and has lots of paved areas where water can’t soak into the ground. Without ponds, all that rain would rush into streets, parking lots, and homes.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says retention ponds can remove up to 80% of dirt and pollutants from stormwater before it enters natural streams. That means if a pond is dirty, it stops doing its job.

What Happens if You Don’t Clean a Retention Pond?

Think about your sink at home. If you never clean the drain, it clogs up, water won’t flow, and bad smells start. A retention pond is the same.

If it isn’t cleaned, it can:

• Flood nearby areas during big storms
• Smell bad and look dirty
• Attract mosquitoes and pests
• Hurt fish and animals living inside it
• Break state and city rules, leading to fines

So, cleaning is not just about looks. It’s about safety, health, and following the law.

10 Signs That Show Your Pond Needs Cleaning

Now let’s look at the clear warning signs that your pond in Atlanta is asking for help.

1. Water Levels Look Strange

If the pond is always too high, it might mean the drains are blocked. If it’s too low, there could be leaks. Both are problems because the pond isn’t working like it should.

2. Bad Smells Around the Pond

Does it smell like rotten eggs or sewage? That means dead plants, trash, or algae are breaking down inside. Clean water should not smell bad.

3. Too Much Algae on the Surface

A little algae is normal. But if the water looks like green soup, that’s a warning sign. Algae takes away oxygen and makes it hard for fish and plants to live. Fertilizers from lawns often feed this algae growth.

4. Trash and Debris Floating Everywhere

Plastic bottles, bags, and sticks often wash into ponds during rain. If you see lots of this floating, the water can’t flow properly. It also looks ugly and harms animals.

5. Erosion Around the Pond’s Edges

If the soil around the pond is falling apart, the edges will look broken or washed away. This is called erosion. It makes the pond shallow over time and weakens its walls.

6. Mud and Sediment Building Up at the Bottom

Over years, mud builds up and makes the pond shallow. This reduces how much water it can hold. In one study at Georgia Tech, ponds that had 25% mud build-up lost almost 40% of their storage ability.

7. Fish or Other Animals Dying in the Pond

If you see fish floating dead or ducks avoiding the water, something is wrong. Usually, it means low oxygen or dirty water. A healthy pond should support life.

8. Water Flowing Too Slowly or Not at All

Retention ponds should slowly release water into drains. If water just sits there, it means pipes or outflows are blocked. Standing water also invites mosquitoes.

9. Too Many Mosquitoes Around the Pond

Still water is perfect for mosquito breeding. If you or your neighbors suddenly notice more bites, the pond may not be draining as it should. In Atlanta summers, this can quickly become a big health risk.

10. Neighbors or Community Complaining

Sometimes the easiest sign is people talking. If residents complain about smells, mosquitoes, or flooding, it’s often because the pond is not working right. Community feedback shouldn’t be ignored.

What Georgia Rules Say About Retention Pond Care

In Georgia, the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) requires owners to keep ponds clean and working. Atlanta also has its own local stormwater rules.

If you don’t maintain your pond, you could face:

• Fines from the city
• Higher insurance or repair costs
• Legal problems for HOAs or property managers

You can read more about stormwater laws here: Georgia EPD.

How Professionals Clean Retention Ponds Step by Step

Here’s how a professional crew usually handles pond cleaning:

This process can take a few days but keeps the pond safe for years. For professional retention pond maintenance service in Atlanta, contact us now.

Easy Tips for Atlanta Property Owners

• Do yearly inspections before rainy seasons.
• Plant native grass or plants around edges to stop erosion.
• Work with licensed contractors who know Georgia’s stormwater rules.
• Teach community members not to dump trash, grass, or leaves into ponds.

Key Takeaways

• Retention ponds protect Atlanta homes and streets from flooding.
• If they’re not cleaned, they cause flooding, mosquitoes, and bad smells.
• Watch out for the 10 warning signs we explained.
• Cleaning is not just for looks — it’s required by law.

Quick Fact

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), stormwater ponds capture about 50% of harmful nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus before they reach rivers. That means cleaner drinking water and healthier lakes. (USGS.gov)

Helpful Sources

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD)
• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
• Georgia Tech Research Studies
• Aquatic Restoration — Retention Pond Service Provider in Georgia, USA

Final Thoughts

A retention pond isn’t just a body of water. It’s a safety system built to protect your property, your community, and Atlanta’s environment.

If you’ve noticed high water, bad smells, algae, or mosquitoes, don’t wait. The longer you ignore these signs, the more expensive it gets.

Think of it this way: cleaning your pond now is cheaper than fixing a flooded parking lot later.

👉 If you’re in Atlanta and see any of the 10 signs we covered, it’s time to schedule a professional pond cleaning. Your future self — and your neighbors — will thank you.

Written By: Aquatic Restoration

At Aquatic Restoration, we’ve been helping Georgia pond and lake owners since 1970. Our services include shoreline stabilization, spillway renovation, siphon installation, lake management, dredging, and retention pond maintenance. We fix problems without harming your land or budget.Phone: 770-592-5099 | 678-949-3973
Mail:chris@aquaticrestoration.net
Website:www.aquaticrestoration.net
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