Panorama Hills Storm Ponds and Fountains

Panorama Hills community have storm ponds to collect and hold rainfall and snowmelt before it reaches our rivers, creeks, and streams.

This runoff collects sediment and pollutants (e.g. bacteria, fertilizers, pesticides, vehicle fluids, metals, road salt) as it travels across properties, streets, and roads. By capturing and holding stormwater for a period of time, storm ponds allow sediments to settle out and provide some treatment for pollutants. The water is then slowly released to our rivers, creeks, and streams. Slowing the speed and reducing the sediments and pollutants helps keep our rivers, creeks, and streams healthier.

All storm ponds are owned and operated by the City of Calgary. Many communities, such as Panorama Hills, have obtained authorization to install fountains in their ponds. These fountains serve a dual purpose: they enhance the water quality by increasing the oxygen levels and reducing the algae growth, and they also create an aesthetic appeal by adding a touch of elegance and charm to the landscape. Fountains are an attractive and beneficial addition to any community that values the environment and the well-being of its residents.

Algal blooms have started to be a problem at the end of 2022 and continues in 2023. At certain times of the year, especially during warm, dry periods, storm ponds can experience excessive algal growth (blooms) which can become unsightly and at times release unpleasant odours. Algae blooms can be caused by a number of things: persistent warm weather, nutrients washed into storm ponds from lawn fertilizers, sediments washed into the pond, and dead or decaying vegetation.

The City of Calgary assesses and uses several techniques to address algal. Please see the following link for more details. https://www.calgary.ca/water/stormwater/storm-ponds.html

We are currently working with the City of Calgary to address the issue in our large pond.

In the meantime we can not operate the fountains because they will be damaged or destroyed.

If you have additional questions please call 3-1-1 or email us at maintenance@mypanoramahills.com