The benefits of installing an attenuation tank

Stormwater attenuation tanks offer a cost effective solution towards the risk of flooding in urban areas and prevent the risk of damaging land and ecosystems from heavy rainfall. 

Here we discuss the importance of installing an attenuation tank in more detail and identify the key benefits of installing one.

What is an attenuation tank? 

Attenuation tanks are designed to manage and control the flow of stormwater to reduce the risk of flooding in urban areas, hence why they are often referred to as ‘stormwater attenuation tanks’.  

In contrast to soakaway crates, which allow rainwater to directly soak back into the soil, attenuation tanks temporarily store rainwater during a heavy spell of rainfall and release it at a controlled rate into drainage systems or a natural body of water. The level of released water must be calculated to flow at the correct rate as this prevents a high volume of runoff that avoids any potential flood risk.

Having a controlled release of stormwater prevents a high volume of runoff that can potentially overwhelm drainage systems and cause flooding downstream. 

Why is installing an attenuation tank important? 

Stormwater attenuation tanks are a cost-effective solution for controlling the flow of excessive water back to a natural water course or a drainage system. Each year, flooding causes many devastating effects by damaging properties, business establishments and peoples livelihoods and well-being. Another impact from flooding includes the damage of vegetation from the pollutants that are carried by flood water.  

Legislation has applied pressure on specifiers and local planning authorities to implement these systems and ultimately prevent flooding with a design system that can manage the flow at the source. Across Ireland and the United Kingdom, developments on green fields are happening more often and it is essential to ensure every flood prevention measure as possible. 

What are the benefits of installing an attenuation tank? 

When installing an attenuation tank, several benefits are provided in terms of stormwater management and flood control. It is important to note that the proper installation, design and maintenance are essential to ensure attenuation tanks effectively provide the intended benefits.  

Key benefits include:

Flood Risk Prevention: Attenuation tanks reduce the risk of flooding especially within local areas. This is done by temporarily storing rainwater from heavy rainfall events, preventing the rapid and uncontrolled flow of stormwater flooding downstream drainage systems and natural bodies of water. 

Erosion Control: As attenuation tanks control the flow of stormwater, they also help prevent any erosion caused by excessive runoff. This is especially important in urban areas as  impenetrable surfaces can contribute to erosion.            

Water Quality Improvement: Installing an attenuation tank helps improve the quality of water that enters natural bodies of water by reducing the risk of contamination and protects aquatic ecosystems. The attenuation tank allows sediments to settle and remove any pollutants from stormwater before being released. 

Sustainability: Attenuation tanks encourage sustainable urban development through the management of stormwater. They support the preservation of the natural water cycle and minimizes the impact development has within local environments. 

Regulatory Compliance: It is important to ensure compliance with building codes and local regulations in relation to the management of stormwater. It is especially important for property developers to install attenuation tanks for construction projects. 

Property Protection: Property owners can protect their assets from water damage or flooding, by installing attenuation tanks. This further reduces the risk of damaging property values and increasing insurance costs. 

Enhanced Green Spaces: The design of some attenuation tanks allows areas to incorporate green infrastructure elements, such as swales or vegetated roofs. This can improve the aesthetic of urban green spaces. 

Public Safety: Flooding can lead to hazardous situations causing accidents and injuries to the public. Reducing the risk of flooding with attenuation tanks,  by properly managing stormwater, enhances public safety. 

Overall, attenuation tanks are crucial for urban stormwater management as they reduce the impact heavy rainfall has on local communities and the environment. They help prevent flooding, erosion and water pollution whilst also promoting more efficient and sustainable water resource management. 

Want to know more? 

Here at Cotterill Civils we also supply a range of stormwater attenuation solutions including soakaways crates and stormwater attenuation tanks, designed by us. If required, we provide an installation service - providing you with peace of mind that the installation is efficient and trustworthy. We will be more than happy to offer a bespoke solution to suit and specific requirements. 

If you would like to know more about our stormwater attenuation tanks and how they work, please feel free to call us for expert advice on 0121 351 3230.