Professional detention and retention pond design for residential, commercial, and municipal development projects across Texas. Our licensed civil engineers perform hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, size detention facilities, and ensure compliance with local stormwater management requirements to prevent downstream flooding and secure project permits.
Check Your Texas Property Before You Build
Use ALFAP TX for a free preliminary check of flood information, the likely permitting authority, and possible engineering needs for your project.
Check My PropertyPreliminary guidance only. Confirm requirements with the applicable authority.
Our Detention Pond Design Services
Detention Pond Sizing & Design
Hydrologic analysis and detention pond sizing to meet local stormwater release rate requirements.
Retention Pond Design
Design of retention ponds for permanent water quality treatment and stormwater storage.
Stormwater Routing Analysis
Hydrograph routing through detention facilities to verify downstream flood protection.
Outlet Structure Design
Design of multi-stage outlet structures for controlled stormwater release rates.
Emergency Spillway Design
Design of emergency spillways to safely convey extreme storm events.
Detention Pond Permitting
Preparation and submittal of detention pond designs for local jurisdiction approval.
Maintenance Access Design
Design of maintenance access roads, forebays, and sediment traps for long-term pond performance.
Underground Detention Systems
Design of underground stormwater detention vaults and pipe storage systems for space-constrained sites.
When a detention assessment may be needed
A detention assessment may be needed when a project increases impervious cover, changes runoff patterns, or triggers stormwater management review by the local jurisdiction — including new construction, redevelopment, commercial site development, subdivisions, and additions that modify drainage conditions. ALFA's agreed scope may include hydrologic calculations, detention sizing and routing, outlet structure design, construction drawings, and responses to reviewing-agency comments. The specific scope for your project is defined in your proposal and depends on the requirements of the reviewing jurisdiction.
Project steps
- 1Document & site review — ALFA reviews your survey, topographic information, proposed development, and any agency comments.
- 2Hydrologic analysis — existing and proposed runoff, drainage areas, and peak flow calculations are evaluated against the applicable stormwater criteria.
- 3Detention sizing & routing — detention storage volume, outlet structure sizing, and stormwater routing are analyzed to verify release rates.
- 4Design & drawings — detention pond plans, outlet details, emergency spillway, and supporting calculations are prepared for submittal.
- 5Agency submittal & comments — ALFA coordinates the submittal and responds to reviewing-agency comments; the authority having jurisdiction makes the final permit decision.
Detention and stormwater management requirements are set by the permitting authority and depend on project conditions such as site size, impervious cover, downstream conveyance, and local drainage criteria. ALFA does not publish generic thresholds and does not guarantee permit approval. Requirements for your project are confirmed with the applicable jurisdiction.
Information needed for a quote
- Property address
- Proposed development or project description
- Existing and proposed impervious area (if known)
- Survey or topographic information (if available)
- Agency or reviewer comments (if available)
You don't need all of these to start the conversation. Share what you have and ALFA will help identify what else is needed for your proposal.
Availability: Detention pond design is available statewide. On-site visits, when needed, are scheduled based on project location.
How to Request a Proposal
Use the button below to request a proposal. Describe your project, site address, and any specific concerns or requirements.
Related Engineering Services
Drainage Design
Site drainage, stormwater conveyance, and detention design for Texas projects.
Site Development Engineering
Site layout, grading, drainage, utilities, and permit coordination.
Stormwater Management
Stormwater detention, retention, quality BMPs, and MS4/TCEQ compliance.
Hydrology & Hydraulic Analysis
HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS modeling for drainage and flood studies.
Scope of Services
Related Services
Related Tools & Official Resources
Verify requirements with the official government sources before your project — these verified resources and plain-English answers apply directly to this service.