What is a water quality basin designed to do?

A water quality basin is specifically designed to improve the quality of stormwater runoff before it is discharged into the surrounding environment. It achieves this by temporarily retaining stormwater, allowing sediments and pollutants to settle out of the water column. This retention process helps to effectively remove various contaminants, such as oils, heavy metals, and nutrients, which are common in urban runoff, thereby mitigating the impact of stormwater on water bodies.

While water quality basins can play a role in sedimentation, the primary focus is on pollutant removal through retention rather than merely separating sediment from larger debris. Additionally, these basins are not intended for long-term irrigation needs—rather, they are designed for stormwater management. The idea of providing recreational features is not a primary function of water quality basins; their main purpose is environmental protection and compliance with water quality regulations.