The purpose of the Stormwater Pond Safety Program is to protect citizens by reducing the risks to life and property from failure of stormwater management ponds.

The City of Austin has required stormwater management ponds in new development since the mid 1970s for flood control or water quality protection. The City is responsible for the maintenance and operation of more than 600 of these ponds. Program staff are in the process of inventorying and evaluating these ponds to determine if structural modifications or strengthening is required.

The City is making structural improvements to the Great Northern Detention Pond and has completed improvements to the Mauai Detention Pond. The next ponds to be modernized are the South Metric, Mearns Meadow and Tech Ridge ponds. The City is currently working with a consultant to design the improvements to these ponds.