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4.3.4 Basins and ponds

Basins are areas for storage of run-off that are dry during dry weather, whereas ponds have permanent water (Figure 2.39). Both act to store water and therefore attenuate the flow of water during a storm. Flow downstream of the basins or ponds can therefore be controlled. Basins and ponds also act as infiltration devices (Section 4.3.3). Basins and ponds are usually used at the end of a train of treatment for stormwater, and provide additional step if source control (Sections 4.3.1 to 4.3.3) does not have an adequate capacity to control run-off. Detention time is of the order of two to three weeks. Both basins and ponds can be vegetated, so that we can have a range of features, including wetlands that have amenity values for passive recreation or wildlife habitat. Run-off water quality is improved upon storage in basins or ponds because of sedimentation of solids, bacterial action and nutrient uptake by vegetation. Water stored in ponds can also be used for irrigation of parks and gardens or for fire-fighting and other purposes. Basins and ponds need to be maintained to control vegetation and removal of accumulated silt.

Figure 2.39: Pond, basin and constructed wetland for stormwater treatment (CIRIA, 2000)

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