Retention Irrigation Ponds
 

Are there others that purchased water view homesites & were never informed during the sales process that the "May or May Not Hold Water" meant that water would be extracted for irrigation? We were informed water levels might change just due to "natural causes"---deception here?

Map
 

May or May Not Hold Water

Yes they showed us on the map of our lot and printed on the pond where those words.

We lived on a large retention pond and it does say in the sales contract and on a map of the area ponds that they may or may not hold water as you say. After some research prior to purchasing we also knew they used them for irrigation and can move water around from various ponds. Our sales person also helped when we questioned their use. Where else would they get their irrigation? Obviously the very large ponds I have never seen empty but low in the dry season from watering. There are some like in the Charlotte area on Hillsborough, 466a off the golf course I have seen dry and full but they are very small and doubt they use those for irrigation anyway. Those would be natural causes. I wouldn't call it deception.

Retention Irrigation Ponds
 

Thanks for some insight---we were curious as to why the details in our purchase contract regarding "Water Features" did not include any info re the utilization for irrigation. Naturally occurring events, such as periods of drought, obviously could lower the water levels. In regards to our situation, also found it interesting that it appears that the extraction process did not begin until all of the premium lots around the pond we're sold.

The ability to move water around, the irrigation of golf courses and common grounds is also used to reduce the water level in preperation for expected excessive rain fall..... ie: hurricanes, tropical storms, etc.

:coolsmiley: Like your name!

If you want to think so think so, but I don't think so.


The trouble is that this place is WAY too good to be true. What a plus that they used reclaimed water for irrigation. And can spray it out and lower the pond level in preparation for major rainfall. I was here a few years back when we got over 12 inches of rain in two-three days and those ponds didn't flood.


I know in my heart that you will find that this place is really on the up and up. Carefully planned and they didn't have to pull the wool over anybody's eyes to sell those view lots. In our neighborhood the view lots sold out in seven hours.


Welcome to Lower Paradise.

I’m glad this subject came up. Next month I’ll be in TV Sales office talking about a lot or home. I have never lived near a retention pond because I’ve always lived in places that have storm sewers.

I just assume (yes, not always a good idea) that retention ponds are a source of odor due to stagnant water, mosquitos and snakes. Wrong assumptions? For those of you that live next to a RP I would appreciate your thoughts, good and bad.

Also, if I bought next to a pond and told levels may change due to “natural causes” I would expect that to mean “natural causes” i.e. low due to drought, high due to excessive rain. Having water removed by “man” for any purpose is not “natural.” Lawyers write all these contracts and I have no doubt their (TV Sales) butts are covered.

When or if the time comes, I will have a lawyer look at the contract before I sign, but I don’t think it will do any good. Each time I spoke to TV Sales over the phone they made it clear it is a, take or leave it deal – no changes.

Getting back to the original post. As a layman I would feel somewhat deceived. If I were a lawyer I would probably say they did nothing wrong.

So, living next to a RP, good idea or bad?

When our sales person started to pitch the premium lot, my husband told her we were from Florida and know about retention ponds. She stuttered and stammered and changed the subject.

We live on a retention pond. It was made quite clear that pond levels can vary. We have previously lived in a community with retention ponds so I am familiar with their dynamics. I have seen our pond level vary by about 4 feet from highest level to lowest level but the typical variations are much less. I have noticed the level rise about a foot in the last couple of weeks so I suspect water is being moved around. We don't have any odor from the pond and I cannot think of a single negative associated with the pond. The grading is such that water, during heavy rains, flows down to the pond so we never have any standing water. We like the fact that there is a significant amount of birds on the pond.

Thank you.
So no issues with stagnant water, mosquitos or animals of the slithering kind?

We do have a gator.

Seriously?
How does a gator get to a pond in a residential area? Did someone dump a baby gator? Dangerous?

My friend in Orlando never said anything about gators. When I told her I was considering FL. She said “keep in mind this is FL, we have hurricanes, sinkholes and snakes.” She said nothing about backyard gators :)

There are lots of gators in FL. Just stay clear of them. If they become too big or become a nuisance, they will be removed. They are essentially afraid of humans.

:ohdear: Florida has the type of gator with feet and legs. :laugh:

Lol

We live on a retention pond. We were fully aware that we are not guaranteed a water view. We love it - no stagnant water, bugs or problems. This summer the lake was way full. They are pumping a lot this week. The bird life is wonderful. When the water levels decrease slightly, there is a sandbar which water birds and turtles seem to like. They coexist there.

Living on ponds in Florida is not like a waterfront lot up north. We have had gators, water moccasins and other snakes and critters good and bad. The water levels change but you do get a view albeit you presently pay a hefty price for it. We now prefer a golf course view or anything with privacy.

The ponds in our neighborhood have gators, snakes and turtles. There also otters, coyotes, and the occasional bobcat in The Villages. Also, I don't believe all ponds are retention ponds but I might have made that one up.

What did you think may or may not hold water meant?????????
It may have water in it.
It may NOT have water in it./
Seems pretty straight forward to me.

I don’t want to speak for the original poster but “hold water” and have water intentionally removed are two entirely different things, IMO.

I’ve had couple friends dig duck ponds, for their children, in their backyard. About 20x20x2 deep. One “holds water” and one does not. I think the average person would think natural vs. messed with by man.

BTW, if you want to make your lot worthless by creating a “wetland,” dig a duck pond. They learned this lesson the HARD way.

When I look at properties in TV next month, I'm going to pass on the ponds.
Thanks.

One of the ponds is rumored to have a Kraken.

Must have gotten a good price on an off-season flight.

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We love our lot on a pond and wouldn't trade it for anything. From the inside of our house, it looks as though our house is actually built on top of the water. The view is just awesome and the water is so peaceful. We have never experienced a problem "with stagnant water, mosquitos or animals of the slithering kind". We are frequented throughout the year by beautiful birds that enjoy swimming in the water or soaring above it.
It was disclosed to us before we bought our home that the water level could vary. It is periodically lowered, but this has never detracted from its beauty.

Columbus took a chance.

Although I don't live on a pond or lake I have been in numerous homes that are. Your description is very appropriate and accurate IMO.

I think people are throwing diuretics in the ponds, just a theory.

Have we finished the discussion on the purpose of the retention ponds, how they are used for irrigation and how maps are labeled "may or may not hold water."???


It appears that most of the people who responded to this question have agreed that they were aware of how retention ponds are utilized for irrigation, that water is often moved from one to the other, alligators move from one to the other through the same large conduits and that the pond system is also an effective way to control flooding.


It is possible that the water may develop a sinkhole underneath it and immediately lose all water. It has happened. The Morses will be blamed for this by some people and the Morses will be expected to fix this kind of thing forever.


I am a little more realistic about how stuff happens and that we the residents may have to pay to fix stuff.


I would like to ask any folks who have thrown their poop bags down the drain openings along the streets to stop it, because if the water drops, they will appear all of them at the bottom of the pond. It can't be fun for the fish. Or the birds.


I am just typing because I am a little tired of the puns and that isn't like me at all.


I am in a bad mood today.

Well, you'll save money.

We're on a pond attached to the Prairie, and I love it. Wouldn't trade it for anything except TWO water views.

I don't see the difference at all----either you look out and there is water, or there isn't---how is the cause important? We own a home on a golf course with 3 ponds in view, the closest is 60-70 yards away. Have been there in February, April, June, September and October. No smell, no mosquitos, haven't seen a poisonous snake, in fact haven't seen any snakes. Only an occasional gator in the distance. Some of the golfers are more dangerous than the wildlife:1rotfl: Sometimes the ponds are almost all water, sometimes there is a lot of vegetation. There are always birds of all types, the sandhill cranes will walk right up to our lanai.
The sales agent disclosed that these ponds "may or may not hold water"---I took it to mean just that, regardless of cause---and there is a beauty to these pond areas either way.

Don't be. It's a beautiful day in the Villages! Unless you want to trade for our 45 degree heavy rain today. well, only 8 more days:a040:

Talked to a friend in Pensacola that lives near, or almost on top of, a small retention pond. He does get a lot of mosquitos. Screened in his entire yard – which was quite expensive. He said if he had the opportunity to build his house again, he would find another lot.

I’m sure there are many non-RP lots and homes to see in TV. Skipping the RP homes or lots should not be a great loss.

Maybe a nice walk would help. Sun and fresh air are the perfect medicine. Hope tomorrow is a better day :)

Mosquitos are scarce in TV's.

No offense, but this gentleman is facing an enormously important decision affecting the rest of his life as well as an enormous financial impact. I'm not much for PC, but I think a simple "there really aren't any mosquitoes in TV" would have sufficed. (Once he is settled in and no longer a newbie, it's fair game:1rotfl:)

We live on a retention pond. We were told the pond "may or may not hold water." We've never seen a snake... we don't have any more mosquito's than people who don't live on a pond. It's all about what you want. We'd didn't want to be 6 ft. from our neighbor's lanai (we wanted privacy). We didn't want to back up to a street and golf course views were more expensive. We LOVE our view. Would do it agin.