Essential Urban Detention Ponding Considerations

Abstract

Widespread misapplication of detention ponding is probably attributable to the simplicity and attractiveness of its basic concept, combined with lack of awareness or appreciation of complex interrelationships which influence its performance in urban drainage systems. Too often, its anticipated benefits have resulted in costly liabilities. A variety of conceptual considerations affecting the costs, effectiveness and utility of detention ponding are addressed separately but it is emphasized that they all are interrelated and interact with the total local water resources system.