Stormwater tends to impact our modern infrastructure due to overwhelming drainage systems. Especially in areas that are prone to heavy rainfall or where urban development exists.

To manage the effects of stormwater, there are many technologies and solutions implemented. Among them soakaway tanks and attenuation tanks are common systems used. While they both are engineered to efficiently manage surface water, there are several aspects that distinguish them from one another.

In this blog, we will dive into the topic— Soakaway Tanks vs. Attenuation Tanks, comparing the two so as to help you make the right choice.

 

Soakaway Tanks Explained

 

It is a subsurface structure that has been developed for the purpose of managing rainwater. Soakaway tanks do so by allowing water to gradually seep into the surrounding soil.

They play the role of an underground reservoir that captures the stormwater running off from different impermeable surfaces. Instead of storing them, soakaway tanks disperses the captured water into the ground naturally.

 

Highlighting Features of Soakaway Tanks

 

  • They have a permeable design. It involves the tank having gravel or modular units that helps in creating a void space. This space allows the water to infiltrate into the surrounding soil.
  • It is one of the sustainable drainage solutions since it replenishes groundwater levels. As a result, making them environmentally beneficial.
  • Soakaway tanks are perfect for use in individual homes or small-scale development areas.
  • They are low-maintenance. Upon installation, soakaway tank maintenance work is minimal since they perform water dispersion relying on natural processes.

 

Soakaway Tank Advantages

 

  • They perform optimally for preventing surface water flooding.
  • They work exceptionally to eliminate pressure on drainage systems.
  • They fit in perfectly for deploying sustainable urban drainage.

 

While the benefits of soakaway tanks make them a favourable choice for managing stormwater, they are not without limitations. These tanks do not work well in areas with impermeable soil types like clay. Also, project managers need to keep in mind that they have adequate space requirements for installation.

 

Attenuation Tanks Explained

 

These tanks are designed for storing stormwater temporarily as the stored water is released slowly into the surrounding drainage network or nearby watercourse. These are basically large containers that are positioned underground. 

The excess surface water run-off can be stored in the tanks and later can be routed into the watercourse. The volume of water that is released can be regulated with the help of a flow control chamber that comes with these tanks.

 

Highlighting Features of Attenuation Tanks

 

  • The excess water stored can be released in a controlled level at a predefined rate due to their flow-control mechanism.
  • They have high water volume capacity that can be customised as per the project requirement.
  • They help in minimising overwhelming local drainage systems at peak rainfall periods.
  • Tanks are made from highly durable material such as concrete or reinforced plastic.

 

Attenuation Tank Advantages

 

  • They perform effectively in heavy rainfall areas and limited permeability soil types.
  • As the water can be contained and delayed at source using these tanks, they help reduce downstream flooding risks.
  • They fit perfectly in large-scale development areas.

 

Despite their perks, they fall short in sustainability efforts as they don’t replenish groundwater since the stored water is released elsewhere. Also, in comparison to soakaway tanks, these tanks have higher investment initially.

 

End Thoughts

 

It can be said that Soakaway Tanks vs. Attenuation Tanks is really a notion about project goals and priority. Both tanks have a pivotal role in surface water management that helps risks of flooding.

However, it comes down to your specific requirements that determines choosing the right option. The above comparison will help you learn the differences and make the ideal choice.