Is it better to have retention or detention basins next to a housing allotment to catch rain from rooftops and driveways?
Answer #10: Both types of basins store storm water. The difference between the two is that a retention basins always hold water, while a detention basins are typically dry until a rain event fills them up. The water in a detention basin is allowed to either infiltrate back into the earth or slowly be released to a creek over a period of hours or days. The type of soil, the topography of the land, and how large the watershed is in some cases will determine what kind of basin an allotment needs. Some developers prefer ponds (retention) because they are aesthetically pleasing and create habitat for wildlife. Some prefer dry (detention) basins because they can be mowed and are considered less of a liability since they do not permanently hold water.
