Volume 2-05, Chapter 3 - City of Wichita

Section 3.2.1 - Stormwater Pond
For additional information and data on pollutant removal capabilities, see the National
Pollutant Removal Performance Database (2nd Edition) available at www.cwp.org and the
National Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) Database at www.bmpdatabase.org.
3.2.1.4 Application and Site Feasibility Criteria
Stormwater ponds are generally applicable to most types of development and can be used in
both residential and nonresidential areas. The following criteria should be evaluated to ensure
the suitability of a stormwater pond for meeting stormwater management objectives on a
development site.
General Feasibility
• Suitable for Residential Subdivision Usage – YES
• Suitable for High Density/Ultra-Urban Areas – Land requirements may preclude use
• Regional Stormwater Control – YES
Physical Feasibility - Physical Constraints at Project Site
Drainage Area: As a guideline, a minimum of 25 acres is needed for a wet pond and an
extended detention wet pond to maintain a permanent pool. Ten acres minimum is required
for an extended detention micropool pond. Drainage area requirements must be checked with
a water balance analysis (See Volume 2, Chapter 4) or other approved method for
determining the drainage area necessary to sustain a permanent pool. A smaller drainage
area may be acceptable if supported by an approved water balance analysis.
Space Required: Approximately 2 to 5% of the tributary drainage area.
Site Slope: Typically slopes are not more than 15% across the pond.
Minimum Head: Elevation difference needed at a site from the inflow to the outflow: 6 to 8
feet.
Minimum Depth to Water Table: A minimum separation distance of 5 feet is required between
the bottom of the pond and the elevation of the historical high water table for unlined ponds, 2
feet for lined ponds.
Soils: Underlying soils of hydrologic group “C” or “D” should be adequate to maintain a
permanent pool. Most group “A” soils and some group “B” soils will require a pond liner.
Evaluation of soils should be based on an actual subsurface analysis and permeability tests.
Other Constraints / Considerations
Local Aquatic Habitat: Consideration should be given to the thermal influence of stormwater
pond outflows on downstream local aquatic habitats.
Volume 2, Technical Guidance Page 3 - 29