Protect Your Property with Professional Stormwater Pond Solutions

Whether managing stormwater in residential areas or ensuring commercial properties remain flood-free, Schlicht Ponds is your go-to contractor for all retention pond needs. Expertly designed, built, and maintained to the highest standards.

What is a Retention Pond?

A retention pond, also known as a retention basin, wet detention basin, or storm water management pond, is a man-made pond with a permanent pool of water and vegetation around the edges. Unlike a detention pond, which temporarily holds water, a retention pond is designed to maintain a permanent pool of water. These ponds help manage excess stormwater, reduce the risk of flooding, and improve water quality by allowing sediment and pollutants to settle at the bottom filtering the water before a controlled release.

Do I need a retention pond?

If you have issues with flooding during rain storms you may need a retention pond. Cities, towns, residential and commercial properties, build retention ponds to collect runoff to prevent flooding. The rainwater and runoff collects in the pond and seeps into the ground or is released at a controlled rate into a water system.

Is a permit needed when building a retention pond in Michigan?

Permits are often required, especially if your property is near a natural body of water or in a regulated area. We have dealt with Michigan’s EGLE department for many years, and are experts in the permitting process. Schlicht Ponds can assist you in navigating the permitting process to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.

How to build a retention pond in Michigan?

To build a retention pond in Michigan, start by selecting a location on your property, ideally in a lower area where water flows. Conduct a soil test to ensure the soil can support a retention pond—clay soils are preferable, while sandy soils may require a pond liner to prevent seepage.

Next, consult with a professional pond contractor, like Schlicht Ponds, or a civil engineer experienced in retention pond design. They will help create a pond that suits your needs and complies with Michigan’s regulations. Determine the pond’s size and shape based on the amount of runoff it needs to handle— 1 inch of rain generates 0.62 gallons of water for every square foot of surface area. An average rain can generate significant water volume, so proper planning is essential.

Before beginning construction, check with local authorities, including the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), to determine if permits are needed, especially if the pond is near wetlands or other natural resources.

During construction, use heavy machinery to excavate the pond according to design specifications, ensuring the depth and slope are appropriate for water retention. If necessary, install a pond liner for soils that don’t retain water well. Install inflow and outflow structures like pipes and culverts to manage stormwater effectively.

After excavation, plant vegetation around the pond to stabilize the soil, reduce erosion, and improve natural filtration.

Our Retention Pond Services

At Schlicht Ponds, we offer a full range of services for retention ponds, ensuring they are designed, built, and maintained to the highest standards:

• Retention Pond Construction
• Retention Pond Maintenance
• Retention Pond Dredging

Why Choose Schlicht Ponds?

Over 18 years of experience in pond construction and maintenance, Schlicht Ponds is a trusted name in Michigan for retention pond services. Our expertise, combined with our commitment to customer satisfaction, ensures that your retention pond will be functional, beautiful, and compliant with all local regulations. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality results that exceed expectations.