Submitted by admineplanete on Wed, 03/04/2015 - 11:04 Definition Water retention covers a wide set of mechanisms (see synthesis document n°1) the effect of which are to increase the capture of water by aquifers, soil, and aquatic and water dependent ecosystems. More precisely it refers to capabilities of catchments (including wetlands, rivers and floodplains but also other land areas) to hold or retain as much water as possible during periods of abundant or even excessive precipitation, so that water is available for use during dry periods and runoff peaks are minimized. Links Relation type Broader Concept Natural Water Retention Measure External links External link type closeMatch External link Soil water retention Provider Wikipedia Themes water urban area natural area forestry agriculture technical & biophysical Type of action Restoration Maintenance Reconnection Biophysical benefits Decrease of runoff Decrease of erosion Soil conservation Flood protection Slowing down of water flow Biodiversity enhancement Infiltration Groundwater recharge Retention & Detention Sustainable drainage & Runoff control Full Context Pathway(aka Context) Default view Area(aka Level or Site) ALL