Republic of the Philippines

NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Cabanatuan City

RETENTION PONDS

CARMELA A. ALCANTARA

DAN STEVEN P. TOLENTINO

PCS 2: FLOOD CONTROL AND DRAINAGE ENGINEERING

Engr. Derick Aldrin L. Esteban

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 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Cabanatuan City

MEMBER 1: DAN STEVEN P. TOLENTINO

INTRODUCTION

As communities continue to grow, the need for diverting water increases. If a stormwater

runoff is high in volume, then it is able to damage or cause erosions near streams and rivers.

Handling the stormwater near its source can save a community from costly repairs compared

when local funds are to be directed at correcting erosion or controlling flooding. A common

method for managing stormwater runoff is to build a basin, which is meant to collect the water,

and release it at a rate that prevents flooding or erosion.

The most common problem in relation to this issue is the urban development. It has

changed watershed hydrology by increasing the number of impervious surfaces, reducing

vegetation, and introducing land uses that generate pollutants. Increased impermeable area

reduces natural infiltration and interception of rainfall resulting in increased runoff volumes

and peak flow rates. The effects of “urbanization” on stormwater runoff include increased total

volumes of runoff. In general, major changes in flow rates in urban areas are the result of:

• increase in the volume of water available for runoff because of the increased impermeable

cover provided by roads, streets, buildings, parking lots, and roofs, which reduce the

amount of infiltration

• changes in hydraulic efficiency associated with artificial channels, curbing, gutters, and

storm drainage collection systems, which increase the velocity of the runoff flow.

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 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Cabanatuan City

To reduce or mitigate these impacts, water management systems such as detention and

retention ponds is needed. Though having the same purpose, it differs with regards to its

process.

RETENTION PONDS

There are two (2) main types of basins, the detention pond and the retention pond, but

this time, we will now focus on the retention ponds. The main difference between a detention

and a retention pond, is the presence or absence of a permanent pool of water, or pond. In

detention, the outlet of the system is located at the bottom, making the stormwater runoff pass

by quickly so this type of basin is usually dry. Whereas in retention, the outlet of the system is

located at a higher point, letting out the majority of the runoff volume while still having a

retained amount to be treated later on.

Retention ponds can provide both stormwater runoff attenuation and treatment. Runoff

from each storm event is detained and treated in the pool. The retention time promotes pollutant

removal through sedimentation and the opportunity for biological uptake mechanisms to

reduce nutrient concentrations. It should be surrounded by natural vegetation to improve bank

stability and improve aesthetic benefits.

The main principle of a retention pond is to allow large amounts of water to enter the

system, and the outlet lets out small amounts of water as needed to maintain the desired water

level. But, considering health concerns, retention ponds can be a drowning hazard, particularly

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 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Cabanatuan City

with children. Ponds can also draw mosquitoes, which may contribute to the transmission of

some diseases.

APPLICATIONS

Retention ponds can be designed to control flow rates by storing stormwater runoff and

releasing it slowly once the risk of flooding has passed. The stored water will change the water

level, and ponds should be designed to function in both dry and wet weather. Quantity can also

be influenced by the amount of water that can be allowed to infiltrate into the ground if there is

no risk to groundwater quality. Also, retention ponds offer many opportunities for the

landscape designer which can be part of public open space.

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 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Cabanatuan City

MEMBER 2: CARMELA A. ALCANTARA

ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

Retention ponds are generally constructed for positive reasons, but surely there are times

that it has negative impacts in all aspects. The following are its advantages and disadvantages:

ADVANTAGES:

● Collects and improves water quality naturally without additional equipment.

● Improved stormwater collection and flood control, catering all storms.

● New habitats are created.

● High potential ecological, aesthetic and amenity benefits

● Can be used for recreational purposes and good community acceptability.

● Good removal capability of urban pollutants

● Can be used where groundwater is vulnerable, if lined

● May add value to local properties.

DISADVANTAGES:

● Can be a drowning hazard.

● Perceived health & safety risks may result in fencing and isolation of the pond.

● Large areas of land are needed.

● Negative water quality impacts if poorly designed.

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 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Cabanatuan City

● No reduction in runoff volume if poorly designed.

● Anaerobic conditions can occur without regular inflow.

● Land take may limit use in high density sites.

● May not be suitable for steep sites, due to requirement for high embankments.

● Colonization by invasive species could increase maintenance.

MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS

Having retention ponds constructed and situated on specific areas where it is needed,

there are also maintenance considerations for this. The most important part here is to ensure

that the system is free of debris that causes clogging, to keep it functioning properly. Community

locals should maintain the retention ponds for it can greatly reduce the cost of repairs in the

future. The following are some of the maintenance procedures that can be implemented:

● Identifying and repairing areas of erosion - a few times a year and after major storms, check for

gullies and other disturbances on the bank.

● Debris and sediment monitoring & removal - remove debris around and in ponds before it

reaches the outlets to prevent problems.

● Inlet and outlet cleaning - keeping pipes clear of debris and removing sediment ensures proper

function.

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 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Cabanatuan City

● Vegetation management - the amount of maintenance depends on the type of vegetation

surrounding the basin. Some grasses need weekly mowing, and others can be maintained

a couple of times a year.

REFERENCES

Chu, 2021. “China, People's Republic of: Yunnan Chuxiong Urban Environment Improvement

Project”

Retrieved from: https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/linked-documents/45507-003-sd-01.pdf

Leber, 2015. “Stormwater Basins: How Detention and Retention Ponds Work”

Retrieved from: https://info.wesslerengineering.com/blog/stormwater-basins-detention-

retention-ponds

Susdrain, 2022. “Component: Retention ponds”

Retrieved from: https://www.susdrain.org/delivering-suds/using-suds/suds-

components/retention_and_detention/retention_ponds.html

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