Title: Types of Stormwater Detention Facilities
Subtitle: Solutions for Sustainable Water Management
Introduction to Stormwater Detention
What is Stormwater Detention?
o Temporary storage of excess stormwater to manage flow rates.
o Prevents flooding, erosion, and water quality degradation.
Purpose of Detention Facilities:
o Control runoff volume and flow velocity.
o Improve water quality before release into natural systems.
Key Types of Stormwater Detention Facilities
1. Dry Detention Ponds
o Description: Typically dry except during storms.,.
o Function: Stores water temporarily and slowly releases it.
o Pros: Cost-effective, easy to maintain.
o Cons: Requires space, potential for mosquito breeding.
2. Wet Detention Ponds (Retention Ponds)
o Description: Permanent water bodies with aquatic vegetation.
o Function: Detains stormwater while providing water quality treatment.
o Pros: Improves water quality through natural filtration.
o Cons: High maintenance, requires regular monitoring.
3. Infiltration Basins
o Description: Shallow depressions that allow water to percolate into the ground.
o Function: Reduces runoff by allowing stormwater to soak into soil.
o Pros: Enhances groundwater recharge, low-maintenance.
o Cons: Needs well-drained soils, can be ineffective in high clay areas.
4. Underground Detention Systems
o Description: Subsurface tanks or vaults designed to store stormwater.
o Function: Stores water underground to prevent surface flooding.
o Pros: Ideal for areas with limited space or dense development.
o Cons: Expensive to install, maintenance challenges.
5. Green Infrastructure (Bioretention/Swales)
o Description: Uses vegetation and soil to manage runoff.
o Function: Treats and detains stormwater while promoting infiltration.
o Pros: Environmentally friendly, enhances aesthetics.
o Cons: Requires upkeep, may not be suitable for high-volume runoff.
Comparison of Detention Types
Facility Type Pros Cons Ideal for
Dry Detention Cost-effective, easy Requires space, Large open areas, low-
Ponds maintenance mosquito risk density zones
Wet Detention Improves water quality, High maintenance, Urban areas, flood-prone
Ponds aesthetic space-demanding regions
Groundwater recharge,
Infiltration Basins Not ideal for clay soils Residential areas, parks
low upkeep
Underground Expensive, hard to
Space-saving, efficient High-density urban areas
Systems maintain
Green Eco-friendly, enhances Requires maintenance, Areas with limited space
Infrastructure biodiversity space or high foot traffic
Conclusion
Selecting the Right Facility:
o Depends on location, available space, soil type, and budget.
Final Thoughts:
o A combination of stormwater detention solutions can be most effective for urban
areas.
o The ultimate goal is to balance environmental benefits with practical urban
development needs.