Which basin holds water permanently or long-term?

Which basin holds water permanently or long-term?

• A. Retention basin
• B. Detention basin
• C. Holding pond
• D. Infiltration basin

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how long water stays in a basin between events. A retention basin is built to keep water in place for extended periods, creating a standing pool that remains in the basin long-term. In contrast, a detention basin is designed to capture runoff during rainstorms and then drain it out, so it’s typically dry between events. A holding pond may store water for a period but isn’t defined by a permanent, year-round pool. An infiltration basin is meant for water to seep into the ground rather than stay in the basin. Therefore, the basin that holds water permanently or long-term is the retention basin.

The key idea is how long water stays in a basin between events. A retention basin is built to keep water in place for extended periods, creating a standing pool that remains in the basin long-term. In contrast, a detention basin is designed to capture runoff during rainstorms and then drain it out, so it’s typically dry between events. A holding pond may store water for a period but isn’t defined by a permanent, year-round pool. An infiltration basin is meant for water to seep into the ground rather than stay in the basin. Therefore, the basin that holds water permanently or long-term is the retention basin.