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An infiltration basin is a shallow depression in the landscape that is designed to receive and infiltrate storm water. Infiltration basins use the natural filtering ability of the soil to remove pollutants in storm water runoff. Infiltration basins store rain runoff until it gradually soaks into the soil and eventually into the groundwater rather than directly enter a stream or pond. This particular infiltration basin (Site 34) is located in Roger Williams Park near the community garden. It diverts rainwater from 18.73 acres of roadways, roofs, sidewalks, parking lots and has a storage volume of 8,685 cubic feet. When the stormwater drains into the ground, the soil removes an estimated 8 lbs per year of phosphorous pollutants that would have otherwise entered the Roger Williams Park ponds.
The photo below was taken during a rain event in February 2020, 12 hours after, and 48 hours after.