Natural rainwater pond
A natural rainwater pond is an excellent solution for collecting rainwater. Rainwater is not always of the same quality and is therefore not suitable for all fish. Fish in the pond are important for keeping the plants clean and controlling mosquitoes. You can take a number of measures to maintain good water quality.
Rainwater can be infiltrated into the bank zone. Banks are an ideal environment for plants and animals in and around the water. Alternatively, the water can be discharged into a pond. When discharged into the bank zone, not all nutrients end up in the pond water. A disadvantage is that the pond is not always replenished with rainwater.
A natural rainwater pond is attractive to look at and good for flora and fauna. This type of pond is also easier to construct and maintain than a regular pond. Of course, you can also choose from various decorative elements and flowing water features.
Costs
The costs for a simple rainwater pond are usually limited. If you opt for running water and lots of decorative elements, this pond will naturally be more expensive.
Use of space
A plant pond with a shore zone requires a relatively large amount of space.
Difficulty
If you are reasonably handy, you can easily build a plant pond yourself. To prevent leaks in the pond, it is important to work carefully.
Earthmoving
A pond requires a lot of groundwork. It is best to construct the pond at the lowest point. This usually means that you will need to remove some of the soil.
Maintenance
Just like a regular pond, a rainwater pond also requires maintenance. You can stock your rainwater pond with fish that can cope with the nutrient-rich and more acidic environment. In addition to the fish, the aquatic plants also require maintenance and debris must be removed from the pond. The plants in the shore zone require less maintenance.
Climate goals
The pond reduces heat stress and collects almost all rainwater, relieving pressure on the sewer system and replenishing the groundwater in your garden. A pond with various flowering plants is good for biodiversity.
Biodiversity
Contribution to improving biodiversity
Points of attention
- Place the pond in a lower part of your garden. That way, when the bank and the pond are full, you will still have enough space to collect the water.
- The pond and shore area must be large enough to accommodate heavy rainfall. If you have an overflow to the garden or street, 35 mm of the connected surface area is usually sufficient.
- Allow as much rainwater as possible to infiltrate the bank area. This will prevent the pond water from becoming too rich in nutrients and too acidic.
- Introduce strong fish into the pond; fish that can withstand rainwater, clean the plants, and eat mosquito larvae.
- In older homes, the downspout often also serves as the vent for the sewage system. If you disconnect this downspout, you will need to restore the vent.