Which of the following describes the purpose of Detention Storage?

Detention storage is primarily used to manage stormwater by temporarily holding water and releasing it at a controlled rate. This is particularly important during heavy rain events, where the volume of runoff can exceed the capacity of drainage systems, potentially leading to flooding. By regulating surface runoff, detention storage helps to mitigate the impacts of storms on downstream areas, ensuring that the water is released slowly enough to prevent overwhelming existing infrastructure.

While gradual water infiltration into the soil is important in stormwater management, it is not the primary function of detention storage. Similarly, permanently holding water in reservoirs and preventing evaporation from surface water bodies describe different types of water management strategies that do not align with the temporary purpose of detention storage. The essence of detention storage is about controlling the timing and flow of stormwater runoff to protect the environment and infrastructure during periods of intense rainfall.