Have you given any thought to stormwater retention on your property? If you live in an urban area with an infill dwelling, the answer is most likely yes. Depending on the size of your home and lot, you will most likely have a stormwater retention tank. In this blog post, we will explore the question of whether or not you need a stormwater retention tank for your infill dwelling.
What is an Infill Dwelling?
An infill dwelling is a housing unit that is built on your property and often includes subdividing your property to create a seperate lot and home in a suburban area. Infill dwellings are usually smaller than other types of dwellings, such as single-family homes or townhouses. One of the benefits of an infill dwelling is that it can help to reduce urban sprawl. Another benefit of an infill dwelling is that it can help to increase the value of your property. If you are looking to build and sell, this is a clever way in increase the suburban density and invest in your own neighbourhood. This can be beneficial from both an environmental and a social standpoint.
What are Stormwater Retention Tanks?
Stormwater retention tanks are devices that are used to store stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff is water that originates from rainfall or melting snow. When this water flows over impermeable surfaces, such as asphalt or concrete, it can pick up pollutants, such as oil, grease, and heavy metals. These pollutants can then be discharged into our waterways, where they can cause problems for aquatic life and humans alike.
Stormwater retention tanks serve to prevent this type of pollution by storing the stormwater runoff until it can be properly treated. The size of the tank will determine how much stormwater it can store. A common size for a stormwater retention tank is 2,000 litres. However, larger tanks are also available.
Do You Need a Stormwater Retention Tank for Your Infill Dwelling?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the size of your home and lot, the amount of rainfall or snowfall in your area, and the permeability of your soil. If you have a small home on a small lot with little rainfall or snowfall, you may not need need a stormwater retention tank. However, if you have a large home on a large lot with heavy rainfall or snowfall, you will most likely need a stormwater retention tank. The best way to determine whether or not you need a stormwater retention tank is to consult with a professional or land development specialist. In some areas, like Wellington, you will need stormwater tanks for any development or infill dwelling.
To summarise, whether or not you need a stormwater retention tank for your infill dwelling depends on several factors, including the size of your home and lot, the amount of rainfall or snowfall in your area, and the permeability of your soil. The best way to determine whether or not you need a stormwater retention tank is to consult with a professional or land development specialist who can assess your specific situation and recommend the best course of action for you.
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I founded Modal Architecture in 2021. We are a local architectural design firm specialising in high-performance, sustainable, and lifestyle homes around New Zealand. If you want to find out more - get in touch discuss this article or your upcoming project.