Retention basins

What are they?

Urban hydraulic retention basins are key elements in modern stormwater management strategies in urban environments. These basins are designed to mitigate the negative impacts of intense rainfall, reducing the risk of flooding and minimizing soil erosion in urban areas. 

The concept behind urban retention basins is simple but effective. They function as temporary reservoirs that retain rainwater during episodes of intense precipitation. Instead of allowing this water to flow directly into storm drainage systems, basins temporarily retain excess water, reducing the load on canals and preventing flooding. 

These basins are often integrated into urban design, whether as part of parks, green areas or leisure spaces. Their retention capacity is calculated based on the hydrological characteristics of the region, the catchment area and the expected precipitation rate, ensuring that they can efficiently deal with rainwater in different climatic conditions.

 In addition to preventing flooding, urban retention basins also play a vital role in improving water quality. By temporarily retaining rainwater, they provide the opportunity for suspended solids to settle, reducing the pollutant load in receiving bodies of water.