Monitoring rain retention basins

Rain retention basins, also known wet or stormwater management ponds, are artificial ponds. They are specifically created to capture and store surface and stormwater run-off. This occurs where the natural capacity for rainfall to be absorbed into the ground has been compromised by urban development.

They can be part of a broader sustainable urban drainage system (SuDS) designed to prevent flooding and overwhelming of sewer networks.

There are three different types of rain retention basin:

• Rain retention basins used in the road network or residential communities
• Those that form part of the sewer network and have a valve to control flow and an overflow into an adjacent river
• Retention basins where water is stored and pumped back into the sewer network when flow returns to normal

In this article, we focus on rain retention basins that are created and used as part of the road network or within residential communities.

Preventing flooding and spills

Following a heavy rainfall or storm event, rain retention basins are able to contain the resulting surge of surface water. That water can then be slowly released, preventing  localised flooding. It also has the potential to prevent erosion damage and spills.

Typically, the landscaped banks of a rain retention basin are supported by grasses, reeds, shrubs and wetland plants. These filter and clean the water before it drains slowly to local watercourses.

Retention basins are able to filter pollutants such as metals, nutrient fertilisers, sediments or organics by sedimentation.
A further advantage is that they can provide recreational amenities for residents, and a home for wildlife which enhances local biodiversity.

Often they become focal points for regional tourism or a place where people can enjoy a green oasis amid the concrete and tarmac of a housing development or industrial estate.

What role can Detectronic play in managing rain retention basins?

Even the best designed rain retention basins can become ineffective over time. And if a rain retention basin is not fit for purpose, the consequences can be damaging, both financially and from an environmental perspective.

Rain retention basins can become overwhelmed with vegetation, inorganic material or silt. Even seemingly minimal changes in local environmental factors can have a negative impact on drainage patterns.

The capacity of retention ponds is also critically important to manage pollution and the potential for harmful bacterial infestation. Inadequate maintenance can lead to a variety of issues including pollutions and localised flood damage to homes and businesses.

As monitoring experts, we have the technology and know-how to provide customised monitoring of any rain retention basin or SuDS to ensure it operates efficiently.

Highly specialised monitoring capability

Using our ORAKEL Monitoring System or MSFMs and a rain gauge, we can monitor the flow and levels of any rain retention basin. From this we can calculate whether the site has the capacity to cope with sufficient volumes. This system also enables our site teams to monitor water quality if required.

Our proven expertise is trusted by WASCs and private companies alike. We work  with various organisations to help manage rain retention basins and SuDS across the UK and Europe. As such, we are highly capable of ensuring that these important drainage solutions are as reliable and effective as they possibly can be.