Storm-Water Infiltration for Peak-Flow Control

Abstract

The feasibility of off-line storm-water infiltration specifically for the reduction of peak rates of storm-water discharge are analytically evaluated. Hydrograph routings are applied to a range of possible conditions and to a trial site to compare the requirements and hydrologic effects of off-line infiltration, on-line infiltration, and detention. Off-line infiltration required much less basin capacity than either of the other methods for a given degree of peak-flow control. These results encourage the use of this approach for peak-flow control where on-line infiltration is not feasible for this purpose. However, off-line infiltration has little effect on flow duration and only a moderate effect on flow volume; it would have little effect on water quality. On-line infiltration is a more complete solution to these problems where it is feasible.