waterbergings

Waterbergings are facilities designed to temporarily store surplus water during heavy rainfall or high runoff in order to reduce flood risk and ease pressure on drainage networks. They are an element of urban flood risk management and can take the form of surface basins, underground storage tanks, or multi-use spaces that are integrated into public areas such as squares or parks.

The primary function of waterbergings is to capture excess runoff and release it later in a controlled manner. This helps prevent overflowing sewers, protects streets and buildings, and can reduce the need for immediate upstream drainage improvements. In urban settings, waterbergings are often coordinated with pumping stations and gates to manage inflows and outflows, and they may be designed to serve additional purposes such as recreation, groundwater recharge, or ecological benefits when feasible.

Design and planning consider factors such as expected rainfall and runoff volumes, space availability, soil and groundwater conditions, safety and maintenance access, and potential environmental impacts. They can be temporary or semi-permanent, with capacity that matches climate projections and urban growth. Maintenance is essential to ensure performance, including sediment removal, inspecting outlets, and ensuring accessibility for equipment.

In practice, waterbergings are widely used in regions with combined or heavy rainfall drainage systems, notably in the Netherlands and other parts of Western Europe, as part of wider strategies to adapt infrastructure to changing precipitation patterns. They complement other measures such as green infrastructure, retention basins, and improved sewer networks to enhance urban resilience.