Heavy Rainfall Impact on Lakes and Ponds

Heavy rainfall brings risks to lakes and ponds across North Carolina.

Jared Beard, Client Service Manager- Wilmington, NC/Myrtle Beach, SC

Heavy rainfall greatly impacted many areas across North Carolina in 2018. Unfortunately, 2019 has already seen above average rainfall amounts in many North Carolina cities. In 2018, Raleigh received 18 inches of rain above the annual average. During the last 30 days, Raleigh and Charlotte have both received 2-3 inches above average for this time of year (https://www.weather.gov/). In 2018, Wilmington received a record 102 inches of rain. This is 44.79 inches above average and actually within the average rainfall for a tropical rainforest.

Before and After photos of a slope failure and erosion repair to restore the slope.

Dragonfly Pond Works: Slope failure due to heavy rain. DPW Team completed erosion repair and implemented erosion control measures.

This heavy rainfall can bring a variety of concerns related to lakes, ponds, and other stormwater systems. Individuals responsible for such systems need to be aware of the effects this weather can cause. As Lake and Pond Management experts, we would like to share our top 4 tips related to heavy rainfall and its impact on aquatic systems.

  1. There is an increased risk of slope failure. Repeated heavy rainfall can cause a slope to fail, resulting in an unsafe and non-compliant pond.

  2. There is an increased risk of general erosion issues. Any location that receives repeated heavy rainfall is at risk for erosion, this includes shorelines, spillways, near inlet pipes, and near outlet pipes.

  3. There is an increased risk for clogged risers. Heavy rainfall will carry increased amounts of trash and debris into stormwater systems. The increased presence of trash and debris will clog risers and make drainage difficult.

  4. There is a potential for flooding with sudden heavy rainfall or prolonged heavy rainfall. Ponds may flood if there is nowhere for the water to go and/or if drainage systems are clogged. A heavily saturated ground will struggle to absorb additional rainfall, causing excess water to flow towards lakes, ponds, and other stormwater systems.

Heavy Rainfall Safety Tip

Flooding is not the only safety concern. Slope failures and eroded areas are potentially unstable. Stay away from these areas and call your pond management professional.

Please contact us if you are concerned about any of these heavy rainfall issues. Our specialized experts are always available to answer questions and provide guidance.

Learn more about spotting erosion issues here.

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive informative, engaging, and exciting news delivered right to your inbox!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for news, events, engaging photos, puns, giveaways, and more!

Example of a Dragonfly Pond Works' healthy and compliant pond.

Dragonfly Pond Works Pond Management: Healthy and compliant pond

Lake and Pond Management

Dragonfly Pond Works helps clients discover their sanctuary. We are an environmental services company that customizes water beautification solutions, creating natural pond, lake, and wetland refuges for residents, property owners, and community members to enjoy. Our practices work in harmony with nature, but also within your budget.

As experienced specialists in pond and lake management, our designs transform retention ponds, sand filters, stormwater basins, underground detention facilities, and other types of aquatic systems into healthy and integrated waterscapes. From heavy rainfall repairs, general maintenance, erosion control, shoreline restoration, dredging, and more, we specialize in maintaining your body of water.

From Maryland to Florida, Dragonfly Pond Works serves clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, including corporate, commercial, and public accounts, residential customers, and homeowner associations. We provide lake and pond management services throughout North Carolina, in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Charlotte, and Wilmington. Our pond and lake management services can also be found throughout Florida, in Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Naples, Sarasota, and Fort Myers. We also provide lake and pond management in Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia, in addition to Virginia and Maryland. We strive to develop long-term relationships based on quality work, timely service, cost-efficiency, and of course, trust. Please contact us if you would like to learn how we can help you create a beautiful space and sanctuary.

Previous
Previous

Aquatic Invasive Vegetation: Fish Control Measure

Next
Next

Raleigh Erosion Repair & Erosion Control: Pond Spillway