Retention- / detention ponds

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Inspiration Card
Nature Based Solution

Constructed Wetlands & Built Structures for Water Management

N21 Retention- / detention ponds

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

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