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
Basins and ponds have a significant potential to
store runoff
. The total volume corresponds to the volume of the basin or the volume available in the pond (total volume minus
the volume of water already in the pond before the rain event). Basins do not allow long term storage. In a case study in Northumberland (UK), basins and ponds contributed
to peak flow reductions of 15-30%. Reduction and storage of surface runoff therefore contributes to
reducing flood risk
as an alternative to hard flood defences. It also
provides water for other purposes like irrigation.
Depending on the design of the basin or pond and the underlying geology and water table, this measure can increase
infiltration
. However in some cases (if the underlying
geology is impermeable or if there is a risk of contaminated runoff), the pond or basin can be designed with an impermeable bed.
Ponds and basins can be effective at
pollutant removal
, as a result of the settling of particulate pollutants and uptake by vegetation. Therefore, they have the potential to
improve water quality in receiving water bodies through addressing urban diffuse pollution and reducing chemical pollution. As a
green infrastructure
component, increased
application of detention basins will contribute to meeting the objectives of the 2020 Biodiversity Strategy, particularly in urban areas. Basins and ponds can also provide recrea-
tional opportunities in urban areas.
