Retention & Detention Tanks

A Guide to Stormwater Detention and Retention Tanks

Detention and retention tanks are large underground or above-ground containers designed to manage stormwater on a wide range of New Zealand sites.

Detention tanks temporarily hold stormwater and then slowly release it back into the drainage system. They don’t keep water permanently—they act like a “slow button” to prevent flooding during heavy rain.

Retention tanks, on the other hand, store water for longer periods. They keep a permanent store of water that can be reused for irrigation or other purposes—think of them as your “water savings account.”

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Our PRocess

1.
Complete all health and safety paperwork.
2.
Pre-start meeting, hazard Identification, confined space entry permit, job safety analysis.
3.
Dutton Stormwater will remove all the sediment, litter and vegetation using a vacuum truck.
4.
We remove all the spent media from the modules and wash the modules down completely.
5.
We vacuum the chamber once more.
6.
We replace the media with fresh media.
7.
Polluted waste is disposed of at an approved environmental disposal facility.
8.
We send the customer and council (if requested by the customer) a full report of the service.

How Detention & Retention Tanks Work

Both tank types help control the flow and quality of stormwater. Detention tanks reduce peak flows and help prevent downstream flooding, while retention tanks provide a sustainable water source for non-potable uses. These systems are commonly found at commercial developments, residential subdivisions, schools, and industrial sites.

Why Maintenance Matters

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance, prevent blockages, and extend the lifespan of your tank system. Over time, sediment, debris, and organic matter can accumulate, reducing storage capacity and increasing the risk of flooding or system failure.

Professional Detention & Retention Tank Maintenance Services

At Dutton Stormwater, we provide professional tank maintenance services across New Zealand to keep your stormwater management system efficient and compliant. Our fleet of compact, high-performance vacuum trucks is built to tackle any stormwater tank, big or small, while easily navigating hard-to-reach sites. For underground tanks, maintenance may require confined space entry, which is performed by our specially trained technicians following strict safety protocols. No matter the challenge, we deliver where you need it most.

Recommended Service Frequency

Detention tanks typically require maintenance annually, but this can vary depending on your site and system usage. During each service, we assess your tank’s condition and provide a tailored maintenance recommendation in your service report. With our nationwide team and advanced reporting platform, we make stormwater maintenance simple, reliable, and transparent.

Extend the lifespan of your Retention & Detention Tanks

Get in touch with us today and Schedule your regular maintenance.

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