Do I need a Detention or Retention Pond?
Real Dirty Blog by Gulf Coast Conservation
5 Min Read
TLDR: Whether your project needs a detention pond or a retention pond depends on local regulations, soil conditions, rainfall runoff, and downstream flood risk. Detention ponds temporarily hold stormwater and drain after rainfall, while retention ponds permanently hold water. Engineers and local municipalities determine which is required based on project size and environmental impact. Proper planning early in the project can prevent costly redesigns and compliance issues.
Why This Question Matters
When it comes to storm water management—whether on private property or commercial acreage—how you handle runoff is critical to protecting your investment and keeping your property flood-free. Additionally, compliance with county and municipal regulations plays a key factor in determining which water shedding technique is best suited for your property. At first look, detention and retention ponds may seem like they’re saying the same thing. In reality, they do two entirely different jobs. Let’s dive further into the function of these two tools and why they’re important to consider for your project.
What Is a Detention Pond?
In short, a detention pond temporarily holds stormwater then releases it slowly after rainfall. You can usually spot a detention pond very easily as it looks like a big, dry hole in the ground - most of the time. This controlled outlet structure is commonly used in commercial developments, residential subdivisions, and roadway projects. Sadly enough, you won’t usually find fish in a detention pond. Womp.
What Is a Retention Pond?
For starters, a retention pond is where you’ll typically find some freshwater fish. BOOM! Now that we’ve got your attention, here’s the nitty gritty. Retention ponds permanently hold water and are designed to retain water runoff long-term. You’ll know you’re looking at a retention pond if you drive by for a few weeks and the thing still has water in it. While you’re on that drive, you’ll also notice they typically double as an aesthetic feature. The freshwater fish holding ponds will typically be found in large developments, environmentally sensitive areas, and HOA/master-planned communities.
Detention vs Retention: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pond Type | Water Storage | Drainage Behavior | Visual Impact | Regulatory Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detention | Temporary | Release Water | Typically Ugly | Commercial / Roadway / Dense Development |
| Retention | Permanent | Store Water | Typically Pretty | Large Tracts / Planned Communities / Environmental Areas |
How Engineers and Counties Decide Which You Need
There are several factors that will lead engineers and counties to decide which type of pond your project needs. These factors include soil permeability, rainfall volume, downstream flood risk, project size, and local ordinances. Texas counties often require engineered approval before detention or retention pond construction begins for a project.
Do All Projects Require a Pond?
Short answer, if you want an easily accessible pond to fish in, of course all projects require a pond. Endless fish fry Fridays are always a good idea. If you’re not particularly interested in your own personal pond to fish in (weird but ok), projects that typically require one include your commercial projects with a ton of square footage in concrete pads to avoid flooding. Or large properties that have varying elevations which require an area to capture all the runoff. Any property with small pads or maybe near a river on high elevations typically doesn’t require a pond, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have your fish fry Fridays of course.
Construction Considerations Most Landowners Miss
Pay real close attention here. This is how you know if your contractor is worth his salt. Managing spoils (left over dirt from excavations) is a big point of emphasis, especially in the Gulf Coast sandy soil areas. If not spread evenly over the property, stockpiled for a private shooting range, or hauled off - the spoils can become a big problem. Make sure access roads are developed in case the size of the project requires such. Erosion control is something else to consider, gotta keep those fish in a clean pond. Long-term maintenance responsibility is another big factor to consider as you don’t want your pond to be like your boat. In other words, Bring On Another Thousand.
How Gulf Coast Conservation Supports Pond Projects
Here at Gulf Coast Conservation, we pride ourselves on doing projects right the first time and not the second. To ensure we accomplish that mission, we emphasize coordinating with engineers heavily. Excavation and grading are done with precision along with stabilizing soil so your pond doesn’t give you that boat-like grief later on. Above all, we strategically plan for long term performance from your fish fry ready pond - because that’s what everyone wants.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
By now you should be aware of the different pond types. Make sure you choose the right one for your project. Avoid underestimating your excavation volume. It’s easy to do, but extremely costly if overlooked. Additionally, ignoring maintenance costs and skipping professional evaluation can cause bunker busting tragedy down the road - avoid at all costs.
Start Your Journey with Gulf Coast Conservation
Thinking about controlling a flood problem on your property? Or do you want a place with easy access to get your fish on? Give Gulf Coast Conservation a call to get us on your property or project for early consultation. With our team of experienced professionals and enthusiastic freshwater anglers, we’ll plan your project correctly to make sure you cut costs in the long term. Click the Contact Us button below to begin your journey to finally fixing that flood problem or getting ahead of it on your next commercial project!
Start Your Pond Journey With Gulf Coast
Click the button below to contact us now to get your project underway!