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

N16 Infiltration Basin

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Infiltration basin
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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

Infiltration basins are flat, vegetated areas that are usually dry. After heavy rainfall, water fills up the basin and soaks into the ground. Infiltration basins are usually built with the additional goal to recharge the water table, which differentiates them from retention basins in general. While often planted with grass, additional vegetation types can be integrated into infiltration basins, creating habitats for wildlife thereby supporting biodiversity and improving aesthetic appeal.

Conditions for Implementation
  • Local precipitation intensity and soil conditions (e.g. permeability and infiltration capacity) need to be considered
  • Should not be connected directly to aquifers
  • Available space
  • Trampling and activities that could lead to soil compaction should be avoided
Similar Terminology
Infiltration planter
Infiltration pond
Recharge 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 ○ ○ ○