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Inspiration Card
Nature Based Solution
Constructed Wetlands & Built Structures for Water Management

N21 Retention- / detention ponds

Copyright
Example of water retaining structure
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Challenges
Climate Resilience Water Management Natural and Climate Hazards Biodiversity Enhancement Air Quality Health and Well-being Social Justice and Social Cohesion
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Description

Retention and detention ponds are basins that store storm water to reduce flood risk during and after heavy rainstorms. Dry detention ponds fill with water during periods of heavy rain and may contain standing water for several days depending on the amount of precipitation. The water then flows into the sewer system or, ideally, infiltrates through the soil eventually recharging groundwater. If there is no heavy rainfall event, the dry detention ponds are empty and could be used as a typical greenspace. Wet retention ponds retain storm water continuously, also holding water in dry periods.

Conditions for Implementation
  • Available space (e.g. enough area to flood)
  • Proper soil and precipitation conditions
Similar Terminology
Dry detention pond
Dry detention basin
Wet retention pond
Wet retention basin
Performance
    Cooling Service Transpiration ○ ○ ○
    Shading ○ ○ ○
    Evaporation ● ○ ○
    Building (Insulation) ○ ○ ○
    Reflection (Albedo) ○ ○ ○
    Surface Water Regulation Water Conveyance ○ ○ ○
    Water Infiltration ○ ○ ○
    Water Retention ● ● ○
    Water Storage ● ○ ○
    Water Reuse ● ○ ○
    Water Purification Water Filtering ● ○ ○
    Water Bio-remediation ○ ○ ○
    Air Purification and Noise Reduction Deposition ○ ○ ○
    Air Biofiltration ○ ○ ○
    Noise Reduction ○ ○ ○
    Biodiversity Habitat Provision ○ ○ ○
    Connectivity ○ ○ ○
    Socio-Cultural Services Beauty / Appearance ● ○ ○
    Usability / Functionality ● ○ ○
    Social Interaction ● ○ ○
    Education ● ○ ○
    Provisioning Service Food / Energy / Material ○ ○ ○
    Climate Regulation CO2 Sequestration ○ ○ ○