Detention Basins

Detention basins are surface landscaped depressions that are designed to provide storm water attenuation storage during high intensity rainfall events. Landscaping of detention basins may consist of vegetation or hard landscaping elements; however, hard landscaping is more typically used in high density urban environments, where the system serves a specific secondary amenity purpose (i.e. seating and high use recreational space).

Detention basins are utilised in a similar manner to attenuation storage tanks, in that they typically provide temporary storm water attenuation storage during high intensity rainfall events – prior to infiltration, the stored water being reused, or discharged in a controlled manner. Until the system’s attenuation storage is required, detention basins are typically designed to remain dry.