Attenuation systems play a critical role in modern drainage, flood-defence and infrastructure projects. As urban areas become more paved and rainfall intensity increases, the need to temporarily store excess water and release it at a controlled rate is vital to protect downstream systems and surrounding land. At AQUIKO, we support attenuation systems with engineered penstocks and allied flow-control solutions that deliver long-term resilience, simplified maintenance and specification-ready performance.

What Are Attenuation Systems?

Attenuation involves holding back large volumes of surface-water run-off during storm events, then releasing it slowly into the drainage or water-course system so the downstream network is not overwhelmed. Typical systems include underground tanks, geocellular crates, or purpose-built chambers. Site conditions, impermeable area, rainfall intensity and downstream capacity all influence design.
In short: a well-designed attenuation system = fewer floods, less infrastructure stress, better compliance with regulations.

Why Are Attenuation Systems Important?

  • Flood risk reduction — by controlling the rate of flow, attenuation systems reduce surface ponding, pipe overload and infrastructure failure.

  • Regulatory compliance & SuDS — many UK schemes must incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). Attenuation is a key element.

  • Downstream protection — offering controlled discharge preserves rivers, sewers and culverts from sudden surge loads.

  • Space-efficient design — geocellular crates and modular tanks allow discrete solutions under car parks, roads or landscaped areas.

  • Sustainable development — minimised impact on surrounding habitat, reduced erosion, improved long-term site performance.

How Penstocks Support Attenuation Systems

Although often overlooked, flow-control components such as penstocks provide vital functionality within attenuation schemes:

  • A penstock acts as an isolation gate within tanks or chambers, enabling flow control or shutdown during maintenance or refurbishment.

  • It gives specification support for differential head, high pressure or variable flows — essential where flows are temporarily stored and then discharged.

  • Incorporating a penstock alongside attenuation features means more robust system integration: you get storage (attenuation) plus reliable gate/isolation control (penstock) — reducing risk and enhancing operability.

  • At AQUIKO, our HDPE or 316 stainless steel penstocks are designed for durability, corrosion-resistance and low maintenance — perfect for the buried environments typical of attenuation structures.

AQUIKO Attenuation-Compatible Products

Here are key products from AQUIKO supporting attenuation systems:

Each product is backed by UK manufacturing, strong specification and support for contractors and resellers.

Design Considerations for Attenuation Systems

When specifying or installing an attenuation system, ensure you consider:

  • Storage volume required — based on catchment area, impervious surface, rainfall intensity and climate-change allowances.

  • Controlled discharge rate — the flow must match the downstream network capacity; flow-control devices or penstocks are central to this.

  • Structural design & load-bearing — tanks often sit under traffic or landscaping; geocellular crates are common.

  • Maintenance access & isolation — plan for inspection, cleaning, and flow stoppage using penstocks or gates.

  • Integration with SuDS — combine storage, treatment, controlled discharge and appropriate materials for a long-term sustainable solution.

Ordering, Support & AQUIKO Availability

AQUIKO provides full support for attenuation-compatible systems:

  • UK-manufactured penstocks and allied water-flow control elements

  • Technical drawings, specification sheets and installation guidance

  • Stock-ready lines and bespoke sizing for contractors and resellers

  • Rapid UK delivery and strong after-sales support

Talk to Our Team

Need help designing an attenuation system? Want to specify reliable flow-control components for your storage chamber?
01777 819 734
info@aquiko.co.uk

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