How do detention basins reduce flooding?
Detention basins store peak stormwater flows temporarily and mete out this flow over a longer duration, using a designed orifice, at the equivalent discharge rate for the property prior to its development. • Question: What’s wrong with placing leaves and grass clippings in the stormwater ditch behind my house? Answer: The leaves will be carried downstream during rainfall events to clog culverts and other facilities in the stormwater system. The resulting reduction in capacity of the stormwater system could cause flooding for you and your neighbors. Additionally, the decomposing leaves will negatively affect the quality of the stormwater within your watershed. The Public Works Department provides free curbside loose and bagged leaf pickup throughout the fall leaf season. • Question: Why can’t I dump used motor oil and other wastes into the stormwater inlet on my street? Answer: The inlet leads directly to the system of ditches, pipes, and creeks that feed our lakes and rivers. It is imp
