E
cosystem
servicesdelivered
Provisioning
Regulation & maintenance
Cultural
Abiotic
C
ontribution
topolicyobjectives
Water Framework Directive
Floods Directive
Birds & Habitats Directive
2020 Biodiversity Strategy
P
otential
biophysicaleffects
Runoff
Reducing pollution
Soil conservation
Habitat
Climate Change
High
Low
Medium
None
Infiltration basins are designed to
store runoff
to be infiltrated. They typically infiltrate 50% of their storage volume within 24 hours of filling. The required volume depends
on the conditions of the underlying soil and the size and characteristics of the drainage area. Evidence indicates that infiltration basins can be effective in
reducing peak
runoff
by 40% (large storms) and up to 87% (small storms), and in slowing runoff for events that exceed their storage capacity. Used in conjunction with other SuDS features,
infiltration basins thus reduce the risk of
surface runoff flooding
and contribute to the reduction in peak river flows in small catchments.
Infiltration basins are highly effective at providing
enhanced groundwater recharge
, thus contributing to improving
quantitative status
of underlying groundwater
bodies. However, infiltration performance decreases over time.
Infiltration basins can be effective at
pollutant removal
(up to 88% reduction), thereby reducing urban diffuse pollution. As a
green infrastructure
component, they
contribute to meeting the objectives of the 2020 Biodiversity Strategy in urban areas.
