Roof Runoff into the Pond?
Some ponds are located near the down spout from the gutters. Now and then a creative person will put 2 and 2 together and think it would be a great idea to capture the rain water to add the roof run off to the pond.
I don’t want to rain on your parade – but that idea is all washed up!
There are several reasons that directing down spouts into the pond will turn out to be a very bad choice!
The Pond Ecosystem and Roof Runoff
Remember that a pond is a delicate ecosystem, and maintaining the right balance is essential for keeping it healthy and beautiful. Is roof runoff into the pond going to help or hurt?
A healthy pond has:
- good circulation and oxygenation
- aquatic plants
- sun and shade
- filtration
- fish
- structural integrity (read – not leaking)
When everything is in harmony, you’ll enjoy clear water, lush plants, and thriving fish. However, diverting a rain downspout from your roof into the pond can quickly disrupt this balance and cause numerous problems.
Roof runoff often carries contaminants such as dirt, leaves, bird poop, squirrel poop, and chemicals from asphalt shingles.
Asphalt shingles contain pathogens, microbial pollutants, fiberglass and mineral granules. Have you ever seen all the black little pieces of asphalt that come off the roof? Seriously, would you drink your gutter water?? The fish don’t want to either.
Diluting the Living Water
Rainwater will get into the pond no matter what, but if the downspouts are adding roof runoff, it will dilute the beneficial bacteria you’ve been carefully adding to maintain the pond’s health. Pond water is living water! The sudden influx of untreated water can upset the ecosystem.
Some people will add pond detox, water clarifier or dechlorinator after rain, but it is not needed with rain. Use these products when you are adding water from the hose.
String algae thrives in conditions with excess nutrients and fresh water. By allowing roof runoff to enter your pond, you’re essentially inviting an algae invasion that can quickly turn your crystal-clear water into a murky, stringy, unsightly mess.
Too much rain runoff could also disturb the health of the fish (pathogens, microbial pollutants, fiberglass and mineral granules).
Direct rain downspouts away from the pond to protect its delicate ecosystem and maintain the balance you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
* This blog was NOT written by AI. This was written by me. I am not a professional writer, I am a pond person. Therefore, if you see a typo, please forgive me (but don’t tell me, it will just make me feel bad)!
*No koi or roofs were harmed in the making of this content.