Detention Ponds Research Articles

Balancing upland green infrastructure and stream restoration to recover urban stormwater and nitrate load retention

Urban watersheds have experienced ecosystem degradation due to land cover change from vegetation to impervious areas. This transformation results in increased stormwater runoff, stream channel erosion and sedimentation, and both increased inputs and reduced ecosystem retention of nutrients. Ecosystem restoration practices, including terrestrial and aquatic low impact development (LID), are becoming widely implemented in urban watersheds globally. A major question is how “green” and “grey” infrastructure can be optimally balanced to shift ecohydrological behavior towards pre-urbanization conditions. Traditional stormwater engineering typically controls runoff by temporary storage (detention) and release of stormwater, while LID designs are developed to reduce runoff by a combination of infiltrating precipitation and evapotranspiration, while promoting biogeochemical retention of nutrients. These practices are often combined with stream and riparian restoration that increases nutrient retention and reduces in-stream loads. In this study, we simulated the potential impact of three types of terrestrial LID and green infrastructure (GI) on watershed runoff and nitrate (NO3–) loading to local streams, independent of detention storage effects. The treatments included increased tree canopy, vegetated roadside bioswales, and permeable pavement. We then evaluated the individual and interactive impacts of these practices on the effectiveness of NO3– load reduction provided by stream restoration, which is affected by the altered runoff and nutrient loading caused by the LID and GI. Urban reforestation provided the highest effectiveness in terms of reducing stormflow and nutrient export, while bioswales and permeable pavement unexpectedly increased in-stream NO3– loads. Retrofit of the previously developed watershed by LID/GI alone may not provide sufficient mitigation in stormwater and nutrient loads, and should be balanced with additional grey infrastructure, such as detention ponds, rain cisterns, and sewer system upgrades.

Delineating wetland vegetation species using a UAV-mounted multi-spectral camera and computer-aided classification

Agricultural runoff can be harmful to the environment by increasing soil erosion and flooding, while adding excess nutrients such as phosphorus to downstream waterways. Stormwater detention ponds are a common way to mitigate flood risk and improve water quality in urban areas. This concept has since been adapted to protect susceptible areas downstream of agriculture. Wetland vegetation can be planted around these ponds to uptake nutrients and slow water flow. Vegetation mapping is a frequent practice within land management to monitor health and species distribution. This process could be less labor-intensive if paired with the use of aerial imagery and computer-aided classification. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) acquired imagery allows for high temporal and spatial resolutions that can map the environment in high detail and accuracy. Here we present a detailed workflow for species-level mapping from data acquisition in the field through image processing and analysis.

Application of Internet of Things (IoT) Technologies in Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI): A Bibliometric Review

This bibliometric review elucidates the emerging intersection of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI), demonstrating the potential to reshape urban stormwater management. The study analyzes a steadily increasing corpus of literature since 2013, pointing out considerable international collaboration. Prominent contributions originate from the United States, Canada, Italy, China, and Australia, underscoring the global acknowledgement of the potential of IoT-enhanced GSI. Diverse GSI applications such as green roofs, smart rain barrels, bioretention systems, and stormwater detention ponds have demonstrated enhanced efficiency and real-time control with IoT integration. However, existing literature reveals several challenges, notably the requirement of advanced monitoring, the development of predictive optimization strategies, and extensive scalability. Comprehensive cost–benefit analyses are also critical for the widespread acceptance of IoT-integrated GSI. Current research addresses these challenges by exploring innovative strategies such as microbial-fuel-cell-powered soil moisture sensors and large-scale RTC bioretention systems. Emphasis is also on the need for security measures against potential digital threats. Future research needs to focus on real-time data-based monitoring plans, model validation, continuous optimization, and supportive policy frameworks. As the world confronts urban development, climate change, and aging infrastructure, IoT and GSI synergism presents a promising solution for effective stormwater management and enhancement of cultural ecosystem services. Continued exploration in this promising domain is crucial to pave the way for smarter, greener urban environments.

Flood mitigation: Regulatory and hydrologic effectiveness of multicomponent runoff detention at a Southwest Florida site

AbstractThis research investigates the capability of hydrological site design to mitigate inland flooding. Empirical data for a target watershed characterize interaction among three hydrologic components: stormwater detention ponds; seasonal wetlands; and soils/groundwater. Findings are (a) stormwater ponds' elevation change in response to precipitation events of a given magnitude varies sharply among storms, such that ponds' pre‐event elevation and forecast precipitation are not reliable to predict ponds' ability to detain runoff sufficiently to avoid downstream flooding; (b) water table elevation is governed partly by long‐term seasonal variation but also responds quickly to specific events, and powerfully affects the system's capacity to detain runoff; (c) water table elevation during wet weather periods common to Southwest Florida can be high enough to breach the soil surface for extended periods, severely reducing the capacity of the system to detain runoff; (d) in the target watershed of the Florida Gulf Coast University campus, depressed surface storage in seasonal wetlands compensates for reduced wet season capacity of ponds and soil storage. That mechanism explains why the campus has successfully mitigated flooding including from high‐precipitation events most prone to produce flooding (intense rate, late wet season events), while some downstream communities with components designed to meet the regulatory minimum have experienced inundation.

Surrogate-Based Multiobjective Optimization of Detention Pond Volume in Sponge City

Detention ponds are effective structures for stormwater management in the urban drainage system of sponge cities. The pond size is taken as the decision variable, while the cost, total suspended solids (TSS), and catchment peak outflow (CPO) serve as the objectives for optimizing the detention pond volume. First, we randomly generated 10,000 pond areas and input them into the stormwater management model to simulate the time series of outflow and suspended solids concentration, thereby generating samples by combining the set of pond area, corresponding cost, TSS, and CPO. Then, two backpropagation neural network models (i.e., BPNN-TSS and BPNN-CPO) were trained, tested, and evaluated for predicting TSS and CPO, respectively. We employed them as surrogates and used the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II to solve the optimization problem. The results showed: (1) The BPNN models accurately predicted TSS and CPO (determination coefficient 0.988~0.996, Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency 0.988~0.997), and efficiently substituted stormwater management model simulations for optimization purposes (residuals −18.49~28.10 kg and −0.45~0.29 m3/s). (2) For the Pareto solutions, the detention pond reduced TSS by 0~8.33% and CPO by 0~72.44% and delayed their peaks by 4~52 min; the reduction in TSS and CPO tends to grow as pond size increases, and CPO reduction exhibits a minor marginal effect. (3) The surrogate-based approach saves 90.03% runtime while preserving the quality of the Pareto solutions, verifying reliability.

Use of hydrologic and hydraulic modeling for optimizing an existing detention pond

In Brasilia the local regulations limit the maximum flow rate per unit area discharged in rivers by drainage systems. The purpose of this work is to analyze the possibility of optimizing the use of an existing detention pond, known to be oversized, by directing to it the stormwaters of adjacent areas not attended by any urban drainage system. SWMM, a hydrologic and hydraulic model, was used to design a new urban drainage system and to analyze it with the detention pond at the outlet. As a result, the new system designed complies with all local regulations including maximum flood peak for the design critical rainfall. However, the original drainage system for the area needs improvements considering that there were flooded manholes for all rainfall events tested. The flooding is clearly seen with the 2D modelling. It is shown that the existing detention pond can attend the studied area by adapting part of its area. This study showed the importance of hydrological and hydraulic modelling in urban drainage to manage this system and to propose sustainable measures – such as ponds.

Abundance, spatial distribution, and physical characteristics of microplastics in stormwater detention ponds

Despite extensive research on microplastics (MP) in marine environments, little is known about MP abundance and transport in terrestrial systems. There is, therefore, still little understanding of the main mechanisms driving the substantial transport of MP across different environmental compartments. Storm events can transport MP beyond boundaries, such as from the land to groundwater or the ocean, as has already been discovered for organic carbon transport. Urban stormwater detention ponds are suitable environments to study the impact of stormwater on the environmental fate and transport of MP. Herein, we investigate the longitudinal and vertical distribution of MP within two detention ponds with different physical characteristics. Soil samples were collected at various locations and from multiple depths (surface and subsurface layers) for measuring MP concentrations using fluorescence microscopy. Our findings show that MP are retained more near the inlet of the ponds, and MP of larger sizes were found more abundantly near inlets than outlets. We also found that MP mass and sizes decrease from surface soil to subsurface soil. In the pond, where vegetation (grass root network) was more considerable, MP were found more evenly distributed along the depth. In terms of shape, the fragments were the most abundant MP shape.

Resilience effect of decentralized detention system to extreme flooding events

Abstract The experiences from recent urban flooding events suggest that the conventional centralized detention systems based on detention size expansion with minimum costs need to accommodate the extreme flooding events exceeding their design capacity. This study investigated the resilience effects of decentralized detention systems to address extreme flooding events in urban areas. An integrated flood resilience measure that integrates the regional performance of sub-basins with a decentralized flood control system was proposed and applied to an urban watershed including five sub-basins. Hydrologic and hydraulic analysis to quantify the hydrologic responses and resilience of the watershed to flooding scenarios was performed using the Hydrological Modeling System and Geospatial River Analysis System of Hydrological Engineering Centre models. The results identified the best locations of distributed detention ponds and characterized the effects of the decentralization levels of the detention system on enhancing flood resilience to extreme events. Additionally, an increase in the resilience effects of the decentralized detention system was found in the cases of more extreme flooding events from the combined impacts of high-intensity rainfall and land cover change. The findings suggest insights into incorporating decentralization strategies into decision-making on detention systems to resiliently cope with extreme flooding events in urban watersheds.

The assessment of drainage performance in the residential area using SWMM

Flood is a general issue that can lead to the life and safety of residents. One of the problems is the lack of capacity in the drainage system in a residential area. This paper will analyze the drainage system based on the capacity in one of the residential clusters. The method for the drainage system performance in hydrology analysis was carried out with Log Person, and the return period for rainfall duration is ten years (R10) for hydraulic analysis using drainage system modeling with EPA – SWMM 5.1. The result based on hydrological is the precipitation for flood forecasting is 159.79 mm. It is found that the drainage capacity is filled in downstream of the main drain with a maximum discharge of 2.726 m3/s and secondary drains with a maximum discharge of 0.624 m3/s. Improvements were made to resolve the insufficiency of the existing channels by running two different scenarios: (1) Re-design the dimensions of the main and secondary channels, (2) Implement a detention pond, as well as re-design the dimensions of the secondary channels. Both scenarios could overcome the flood problem. Scenario 2 shows a higher reduction in the flow discharge at the downstream channel compared to scenario 1.

Improving detention ponds for effective stormwater management and water quality enhancement under future climate change: a simulation study using the PCSWMM model

Urban surfaces are often covered by impermeable materials such as concrete and asphalt which intensify urban runoff and pollutant concentration during storm events, and lead to the deterioration of the quality of surrounding water bodies. Detention ponds are used in urban stormwater management, providing two-fold benefits: flood risk reduction and pollution load minimization. This paper investigates the performance of nine proposed detention ponds (across the city of Renton, Washington, USA) under different climate change scenarios. First, a statistical model was developed to estimate the pollutant load for the current and future periods and to understand the effects of increased rainfall on stormwater runoff and pollutant loads. The Personal Computer Storm Water Management Model (PCSWMM) platform is employed to calibrate an urban drainage model for quantifying stormwater runoff and corresponding pollutant loads. The calibrated model was used to investigate the performance of the proposed nine (9) detention ponds under future climate scenarios of 100-year design storms, leading to identifying if they are likely to reduce stormwater discharge and pollutant loads. Results indicated significant increases in stormwater pollutants due to increases in rainfall from 2023 to 2050 compared to the historical period 2000–2014. We found that the performance of the proposed detention ponds in reducing stormwater pollutants varied depending on the size and location of the detention ponds. Simulations for the future indicated that the selected detention ponds are likely to reduce the concentrations (loads) of different water quality constituents such as ammonia (NH3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrate (NO3), total phosphate (TP), and suspended solids (SS) ranging from 18 to 86%, 35–70%, 36–65%, 26–91%, and 34–81%, respectively. The study concluded that detention ponds can be used as a reliable solution for reducing stormwater flows and pollutant loads under a warmer future climate and an effective adaptation option to combat climate change related challenges in urban stormwater management.

Model predictive control of stormwater basins coupled with real-time data assimilation enhances flood and pollution control under uncertainty

Smart stormwater systems equipped with real-time controls are transforming urban drainage management by enhancing the flood control and water treatment potential of previously static infrastructure. Real-time control of detention basins, for instance, has been shown to improve contaminant removal by increasing hydraulic retention times while also reducing downstream flood risk. However, to date, few studies have explored optimal real-time control strategies for achieving both water quality and flood control targets. This study advances a new model predictive control (MPC) algorithm for stormwater detention ponds that determines the outlet valve control schedule needed to maximize pollutant removal and minimize flooding using forecasts of the incoming pollutograph and hydrograph. Comparing MPC against three rule-based control strategies, MPC is found to be more effective at balancing between multiple competing control objectives such as preventing overflows, reducing peak discharges, and improving water quality. Moreover, when paired with an online data assimilation scheme based on Extended Kalman Filtering (EKF), MPC is found to be robust to uncertainty in both pollutograph forecasts and water quality measurements. By providing an integrated control strategy that optimizes both water quality and quantity goals while remaining robust to uncertainty in hydrologic and pollutant dynamics, this study paves the way for real-world smart stormwater systems that will achieve improved flood and nonpoint source pollution management.

Temperature sensitivity of oxygen demand varies as a function of organic matter source

Dissolved oxygen (DO) impairment within coastal waters is widespread and rising temperatures may exacerbate low DO levels by enhancing organic matter (OM) degradation. Here, the temperature sensitivity of OM degradation was investigated as DO decay rates determined during standard five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) measurements conducted under different incubation temperatures. Sampling was conducted in the Waccamaw River watershed, South Carolina, a blackwater river with extensive forested wetland that also receives drainage from stormwater detention ponds associated with coastal development, thus providing different sources of contrasting OM composition. Temperature sensitivities were measured as Q10 temperature coefficients, which define how DO decay rates change with 10 degrees of warming. The average Q10 value for the wetland sites (2.14 ± 0.41) was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than those measured in either the River (1.49 ± 0.36) or stormwater ponds (1.41 ± 0.21). Furthermore, using Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change intermediate-to-very high temperature estimates for 2100 of +2.7 – 4.4°C, average predicted increases in DO decay rates for wetlands (~22-39%) are more than double the River (~11-18%) and stormwater pond rates (~9-16%). Our findings for inland, coastal waters agree with previous results for soils, suggesting that temperature sensitivities are variable across sites and increase with more complex, lower quality OM. Future modeling scenarios of DO utilization must therefore consider the influence of OM heterogeneity and the temperature sensitivity response of OM degradation across sources and region to better predict how climate change may impact oxygen impairment in aquatic ecosystems.

A new multi‐criteria framework to identify optimal detention ponds in urban drainage systems

AbstractUrban development broadly impacts the hydrological cycle, leading to increased peak flow and flooding. Surface water detention ponds are among the most efficient measures for attenuating peak flow and returning it from development to pre‐development conditions. However, the major challenge is identifying optimal locations and cost‐effective designs for these ponds. This paper presents a new framework for identifying the best strategies for using detention ponds to control floods in urban drainage systems (UDS). The framework comprises a portfolio of simulation tools coupled with evolutionary optimisation and multi‐criteria decision analysis models. Hydraulic simulation of UDS is first modelled using SWMM and GIS tools. A multi‐objective optimisation model was used to find the optimal location and design for detention ponds. The compromise programming (CP) multi‐criteria decision‐making method was then used to prioritise potential best management solutions for detention ponds based on several sustainability criteria comprising economic, environmental, physiographic and social factors. The results identified the key features of potential detention ponds appearing in all multi‐objective optimal solutions that are useful for decision‐makers/designers when planning/designing for new detention ponds. The selected optimal pond strategies can significantly improve the UDS performance by decreasing flood damage between 66% and 90% at the cost of between $50,000 and $160,000.

Increasing areas of aquaculture ponds and reservoirs reshape runoff coefficients: evidence from a subtropical catchment, China.

Detention pond is a key storm water management measure employed both to attenuate surface runoff and to regulate depression storage, yet the effects of aquaculture ponds and reservoirs on runoff coefficient are not well quantified in a subtropical humid monsoon climate zone, China. Here, a set of six subcatchments ranging in size from 0.7 hm2 to 10,000 hm2 were evaluated over the 2011-2015 period. (i) The annual average runoff coefficient differed with different subcatchments due to the spatial heterogeneity of landscape patterns, while the event-based runoff coefficient under the same catchment showed a decreasing trend with increasing rainfall intensity. (ii) The annual average and event-based runoff coefficients initially increased and then decreased with an increase in the area ratio of aquaculture ponds and reservoirs. The critical area ratio of aquaculture ponds and reservoirs for the maximum runoff coefficient in annual, light, and moderate rainfall intensity was about 4%; but this value would be transferred forward to the position of < 4% under the intensity of heavy rain, rainstorms, and heavy rainstorms. (iii) All runoff coefficients decreased with increasing forestland but increased with increasing paddy fields, and the decreasing rate was greater than the increasing rate. The trends of runoff coefficient for the annual and event-based rainfall are opposite between river development coefficient and watershed shape coefficient. The results provide underlying insights for decision-makers in aquaculture land-use planning and the sustainable utilization of water resources in the upstream and downstream systems of a catchment.

Pesticide sorption and mitigation efficiency of a detention pond in a Champagne vineyard catchment

Detention ponds (DPs) are used to reduce the pesticide inputs from runoff to surface water. This study aimed to assess the role of the sorption process in the mitigation of a DP made up of four successive units and built at the outlet of a vineyard catchment in Champagne (France) to treat runoff waters. Sorption kinetics and isotherms were studied for four pesticides with contrasting properties, cyazofamid (CYA), fludioxonil (FLX), fluopicolide (FLP) and oryzalin (ORY), in the presence of copper in sediments and four emergent macrophyte roots and rhizomes sampled in the DP units 2 (photodegradation) and 3 (phytoremediation). The adsorption equilibrium time (from 24 to 96 h) was less than the hydraulic residence times in the two units (6 and 18 days on average) between November 2016 and November 2017. Sorption equilibrium could then be reached in situ in 85 % of cases. The Kd coefficients of the four pesticides were overall greater in plant roots (14–6742 L kg−1) than in sediments (6–163 L kg−1) because of their affinity for organic matter and the molecular and porous structure of the plant matrices. Typha latifolia and Iris pseudacorus exhibited greater Kd coefficients than Mentha aquatica and Phragmites australis, probably due to their greater specific surface area. The pesticide adsorption capacity in sediments and in T. latifolia and I. pseudacorus roots (ORY ≥ FLX > CYA > FLP) was linked to their Kow. The estimated total annual amounts of the four pesticides adsorbed in situ were determined to be 1236 mg for unit 2 and 1570 mg for unit 3. The four plants improved the removal efficiency of the unit 3 by 33%. Thus, the establishment of suitable and effective plants should be promoted to optimize sorption processes and DP efficiency in reducing water pollution.

Design and Practice of Deep Foundation Pits for Large Storage Ponds in Complex Environments

Storage ponds (storm detention ponds) are an important part of sponge city construction, and the construction process involves deep and large pit excavation in a complex and sensitive environment. Combined with a large storage pond pit engineering design and practice process, in this study, the complex environment of the design of the large storage pond pit method has been explored, using the field measurement data to test the support design of the deformation control effect and to summarize the practice of the key, difficult points of treatment measures. The results show that the procedure adopted in this project is a successful practice for using the pit characteristics, and the special treatment carried out for addressing the difficult points can effectively control the deformation, thus achieving waterproofing and deformation requirements of large-capacity water storage ponds. The design of the support is very effective in controlling the duration and deformation. The cover-cut excavation method, in combination with the support system, is highly effective in deformation control, whereas the open-cut excavation method is more likely to shorten the duration. However, there is an uncertainty in the deformation control during the removal of temporary structures in this method. The deformation characteristics of the pit enclosure and the surrounding ground surface are within the design requirements. The horizontal displacement of the wall and the surrounding settlement are mainly developed during the stage of dismantling the temporary support structure after excavating the first basement level and during the construction of the first and second slabs. The other stages benefit from the strong integrity of the support system, which can efficiently control the deformation. The treatment measures, support types, and component connection methods summarized in this article can provide a reference for the construction of similar underground storage ponds.

Evaluating the Effect of the Location and Design of Retention Ponds on Flooding in a Peri-Urban River Catchment

In order to reduce the flooding risk in urban and peri-urban river catchments, retention ponds or wet detention ponds are often used. However, there has been little work that uses distributed hydrological modeling to consider their optimum location and design in order to reduce the flood risk in a river catchment. This work considers two existing and two potential ponds in the 22.8 km2 Braid Burn catchment, Edinburgh, Scotland. Using the Shetran physically based distributed hydrological model, the effect of these ponds on the river discharges for eight measured rainfall events and two design rainfall events is considered. The results show the larger Blackford pond is best at reducing the peak discharge at the catchment outlet. The other three ponds are designed to be almost the same. The potential pond in the upper part of the catchment reduces the peak discharge at the outlet; the pond in the middle at Oxgangs makes little difference to the peak discharge, while the potential pond in the lower part of the catchment increases the peak discharge at the outlet. These results show that when considering flood risk, the location of a retention pond within a river catchment is important, and it can make the flooding worse at the outlet if it is located in the wrong location. This work suggests the pond should be located in the upper part of the catchment, although the ideal location will depend on the catchment’s shape and lag time.

Unused Raft Foundation Spaces as Detention Ponds to Mitigate Urban Flooding

Urbanization is changing the original catchment properties which are altering the urban hydrology. With increased impermeable pavements, including buildings and roads leading to less infiltration and more runoff during precipitation comes with the upsurge in urban flooding frequency. To mitigate urban flooding, onsite source control measures integrated with existing drainage systems are widely used. The onsite source control is aimed to increase the ability of infiltration and detention to decrease and delay the surface runoff.

Impact of urbanization and stormwater infrastructure on ephemeral channel transmission loss in a semiarid watershed

Study regionMontoyas watershed in central New Mexico, a rapidly urbanizing basin characteristic for the semiarid Southwestern United States. The 142 km2 watershed drains to the Rio Grande. Study focusThis study evaluated the impacts of urbanization and stormwater infrastructure on ephemeral channel transmission loss (TL), an important source of groundwater recharge in dryland basins. A hydrologic model (HEC-HMS) was built for the watershed and calibrated based on seven years of precipitation and discharge data. The model was then used to simulate the individual and combined impacts of land use change (urbanization) and stormwater infrastructure (ponds, channel lining) on runoff and transmission losses over a ten-year period based on observed storm events. New hydrological insights for the regionResults show high inter-annual runoff variability with the two wettest years contributing 44–59% of the 10-year total, and dry years resulting in nearly no flow. Both runoff and TL increased with urbanization. Assuming natural ephemeral channels, TL comprised 64–81% of runoff reaching the basin outlet and 7–10% of domestic water use in the basin, depending on urbanization scenario. Stormwater detention ponds had minimal impact on TL; however, lining the lower 5, 10 and 15 km of ephemeral streams reduced TL by 31%, 55% and 73% over the ten-year study period. Results indicate that preservation of ephemeral channels, in particular permeable channel beds, should be considered a viable strategy for managed aquifer recharge in urbanizing areas.

Evaluation of the Hydrological Performance of Infiltration Trench with Rainfall-Watershed-Infiltration Trench Experimental Setup

Urbanization and population growth result in an increase of insufficient groundwater recharge. In order to overcome the adverse effects of urbanization, low impact development (LID) best management practices (BMPs) are introduced. LIDs are nature-based solutions, also called green infrastructures, that have the ability to control both the amount and the quality of stormwater runoff. Rain barrels, vegetative swale, green roofs, bioretention, permeable pavement, and detention ponds are among the examples of LIDs. Within this context, the infiltration trench is also one of the important LID types and is widely implemented in settlement areas. Field-scale experiments may not be sufficient in determining the design criteria of infiltration trenches. Controlled experiments should be conducted in order to identify the optimum design criteria of infiltration trenches for best practices. In this study, the hydrological performance of the infiltration trench is investigated by conducting experiments using an open-lab large-scale rainfall-watershed-infiltration trench (RWI) experimental setup. The RWI experimental setup is built at the Avcılar Campus of Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa and consists of an artificial rainfall system, an impermeable drainage area, and an infiltration trench. The effect of gravel size, berm height, and rainfall type on the hydrological behavior of the infiltration trench is tested by conducting several experiments. During these experiments, the overflow rate and the drainage rate are measured at the exit of the pipes, located on the front wall and on the base of the infiltration trench, respectively. Results show that the magnitude and lag time of the overflow rate hydrograph are affected by rainfall intensity, gravel size, and berm height significantly. On the other hand, minor changes on the drainage rate hydrograph are observed under different rainfall intensities, gravel sizes, and berm heights. Based on the outcomes of this study, the engineering design guidelines of infiltration trenches are elaborated.