Mosquitoes and Stormwater

Stormwater Control Measures & Mosquitoes

If designed and maintained properly, stormwater facilities should not promote mosquito breeding.  Stormwater management is essential to mitigate the adverse effects of human impacts on the environment, including  controlling flooding, improving water quality, increasing groundwater recharge, and reducing stream channel erosion.   Ensuring that stormwater facilities are properly designed & maintained is the key to limiting mosquito production in these practices.  

There are many Stormwater Control Measures  within Carrboro, some of which are large, end-of-pipe basins that contain and treat water from large drainage areas.  Others are small, landscaped practices located within right of way areas, schools and libraries, and on private property that collect and treat smaller volumes of water close to the source. Some SCMs will pond water temporarily and some retain water permanently to improve water quality. Some are owned and maintained by the town most are privately owned and maintained.

SCMs that Hold Water

Stormwater management ponds typically are not preferred breeding habitats for mosquitoes.  Wet ponds and stormwater wetlands with aquatic habitats maintain natural predators that control mosquito populations.

SCMs that Hold Water Temporarily

Dry detention basins, bioretention, and rain gardens are designed to detain and infiltrate stormwater.  Facilities fill up during storm events and then release the water within two to three days.  Because these systems are designed to hold water for only short periods of time, these practices should not sustain mosquito populations. 

For More Information on SCMs in Carrboro visit our SCM Maintenance and Inspection webpage.