What is the primary purpose of an infiltration basin?

The primary purpose of an infiltration basin is to facilitate the infiltration of runoff into the soil. These basins are designed to capture stormwater runoff and allow it to percolate down through the soil layers. This process helps to replenish groundwater supplies and minimizes surface runoff, which can lead to erosion and increased flooding. Infiltration basins are effective in managing stormwater by promoting natural filtration systems that improve water quality as the water moves through the soil, thus reducing the pollutant loads that might otherwise enter local waterways.

While filtering pollutants from surface water is an important benefit, the foremost function of an infiltration basin is the enhancement of soil infiltration rates. Additionally, the management of excess water and recreational storage are not the primary objectives. The focus is clearly on the natural infiltration process which plays a vital role in sustainable water management practices.