Construction of Retention Tanks: Key Aspects and Benefits
Retention tanks play a crucial role in managing stormwater, providing protection against flooding and droughts, and enabling water resource management. Both large and small tanks serve significant roles in various contexts, from urban settlements to recreational areas. How do these tanks operate, and what benefits do they bring?
Operation Principle of Retention Tanks
Retention tanks can be constructed in various ways, but they generally operate based on two main types:
- Flow Attenuation Tanks on Rivers and Streams: Control water flow, preventing floods and excessive water overflow.
- Rainwater Harvesting Tanks: Concrete tanks for rainwater can be above-ground or underground, collecting rainwater.
Construction and Functions of Retention Tanks
Rainwater harvesting tanks can take various forms, from simple ponds to advanced systems of underground concrete tanks. Concrete structures effectively retain water, preventing drying out and storing it for practical use. Some tanks are equipped with water purification systems, enabling reuse.
Responsibilities Regarding Construction of Retention Tanks
In Poland, there are no precise regulations specifying where retention tanks can be built or whether such construction is mandatory. However, since 2018, there has been a fee for reducing retention on built-up areas. This means that owners of areas without adequate retention infrastructure must pay a tax of 1.5 PLN per square meter.
Benefits of Constructing Retention Tanks
Besides reducing the fee for retention reduction, there are many other benefits of constructing retention tanks:
- Water Management: Retention tanks help manage rainwater, reducing the burden on sewage networks and enabling water use for commercial purposes.
- Flood Protection: By controlling water flow, retention tanks minimize the risk of floods and local inundations.
- Recreational Functions: Above-ground tanks can also serve recreational purposes, adding attractiveness to urban areas.
Construction of Retention Tanks: Process and Timeframe
The construction process of retention tanks includes earthworks, tank foundation, and compaction of the surrounding soil. The construction time depends on various factors such as tank size, terrain conditions, and additional factors like groundwater lowering or soil loading.
Building retention tanks plays a significant role in water resource management and protection against extreme weather events. With diverse constructions and functions, these tanks meet diverse needs and bring numerous benefits to communities and the environment.