Infiltration
Enhancing runoff reduction capability
Infiltration practices, like infiltration trenches, french drains, or basins, allow stormwater to soak directly into the soil and filter nutrients.
Infiltration practices have the highest runoff reduction capability, but need to be on sites with very permeable soil. Pretreatment, prior to construction, is crucial, as is erosion and sediment control.
5 Things to Know About Infiltration Practices:
- They have among the highest runoff reduction capability
- Because they do not utilize an underdrain, they are only feasible on sites with very permeable underlying soils
- They can clog easily, so they require excellent pretreatment and construction erosion and sediment control
- Due to issues with #2 and #3 above, they have historically experienced high rates of failure, especially for basins
- Because they infiltrate pollutants into the soils, designers need to consider impact on groundwater quality
Related Resources
View All ResourcesDesign Spec
Design Spec: Infiltration Practices, 2013Developed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, this design specification (Version 2.0, 2013) provides guidance on using infiltration...