Balancing ponds have a very important role to play in defence against floods but what are they and how do you make sure they continue to do their job properly to prevent flooding?

What is a balancing pond?

Balancing ponds can be found on commercial and residential developments. They are ponds installed especially to collect surface and flood water so that it can then be stored and slowly released into the ground or the drainage system. During heavy or prolonged periods of wet weather this is an effective defence against flooding as it controls the flow of excess water.

Why do balancing ponds need to be kept clean?

As balancing ponds have an important role to play on preventing flooding, it is important that they are kept fit for purpose at all times. If silt or debris is allowed to build up in the pond, it’s capacity to hold water will be reduced, increasing the risk of flooding because excess water has nowhere else to go.

As balancing ponds become more integral to long term flood defence systems, it’s very important to ensure that they are kept in a condition to ensure they can properly fulfil their purpose to protect local residents and businesses from the cost and disruption caused by flooding.

How do we clean ponds?

In preparation for the fast-approaching wetter months, our crews have been out cleaning the balancing pond and culverts for one of our facilities management clients. When managing balancing ponds, our services include:

  • Emptying the pond to allow for maintenance work
  • Removing the silt to increase pond capacity
  • Refilling the pond once cleaning work is complete.

Our lorry mounted suction units and high pressure water jetting units are equipped to tackle ponds of different sizes and, in the very capable hands of our skilled operators, they make quick work of this important task.

Need help with blocked drains or sewers?

At Drain and Sewer Services we’ve been successfully inspecting, unblocking and cleaning drains, culverts and gullies for more than 50 years. Find out how we can help you, by calling 01252 312738 or by emailing info@drainandsewer.co.uk.