Design and assessment of sustainable retention ponds for flood reduction in an urban drainage system in Cuba

Abstract

Flooding may cause substantial environmental, economic and human losses. This study proposes a design and assessment of sustainable retention ponds to reduce flood risk in an urban drainage system of Capiro-Bengochea, Santa Clara, Cuba. The design integrates green infrastructure principles with hydrological and hydraulic modeling tools. The study analyzed 11 rainfall events to simulate runoff behavior and the effectiveness of proposed solutions. Retention ponds significantly reduced peak runoff by up to 77%, mitigating flooding risks, enhancing urban aesthetics and offering recreational benefits while addressing technical challenges. This study introduces innovative sustainable urban drainage strategies to Cuban contexts, aligning with global practices and demonstrating the multifunctionality of nature-based solutions in stormwater management.