Geomembrane for Small Reservoirs: Types and Benefits

Geomembrane is a geosynthetic material in the form of an impermeable sheet made from a plastic-like synthetic material. Its waterproof characteristics are why geomembrane for small reservoirs, known in Indonesia as embung, is so often used.

Besides being impermeable to liquids, geomembrane can also be joined, shaped and combined easily. These processes can be carried out using an extruder or a hot wedge machine.

Overview of Geomembrane for Small Reservoirs

A geomembrane embung (small retention reservoir) is a water storage structure built on the ground in a basin like a lake or pond. In the basin, geomembrane lines the structure to form an impermeable layer.

Read Also: What Is HDPE Geomembrane: Types and Applications

This impermeable liner is intended to replace the concrete commonly used in permanent construction. Building a reservoir with geomembrane has several advantages.

This is because geomembrane is made from an impermeable material called High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). The material is strong, so water storage with geomembrane offers the following advantages:

• No need for materials such as sand, cement, steel reinforcement and stone.
• Fast and easy installation.
• HDPE is strong, resistant to extreme moisture and chemicals, and flexible.
• Building reservoirs with geomembrane is practical and more economical.

Types of Geomembrane in Indonesia

Each geomembrane liner has its own functions and specifications. Some types of geomembrane found in Indonesia are as follows.

• Flexible Polypropylene (FPP), made from resin polymerized from polypropylene and Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber.
• Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), made from a waterproof polymer layer.
• Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), made from ethylene monomer through free-radical polymerization.
• High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), which has a high density.

Benefits of Geomembrane for Small Reservoirs

Building a reservoir with geomembrane makes a clear difference before and after the works. For the surrounding environment, a geomembrane reservoir offers the following benefits.

Irrigation for Fisheries and Agriculture

A geomembrane reservoir is useful as a source of irrigation for fisheries, such as shrimp ponds and fish ponds. As a source of agricultural irrigation, the reservoir can water rice fields in the dry season or irrigate secondary crops.

Read Also: The Difference Between Dams and Small Reservoirs

This way, community fish ponds and rice fields can keep receiving water from a geomembrane reservoir during the dry season.

Water Resource Conservation

According to the website of the Environment and Forestry Agency of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, water resource conservation helps preserve water resources through landscape management.

This management must also follow hydrological principles: reducing surface runoff and enlarging water infiltration areas. Another way to preserve water resources is by greening infiltration areas.

Other methods include building infiltration structures, such as geomembrane reservoirs, biopores and infiltration wells, as well as creating terraces.

Preventing Floods

Some environmental experts have urged the government to carry out programs to build embung (small retention reservoirs) and other water storage.

This is because reservoirs can collect rainwater directly, and even water from the area around them. In this way, floods can be prevented.

Tourist Destinations

Besides benefiting daily life, a reservoir can also become a local tourist destination. As well as enjoying nature, the community can develop the reservoir alongside other businesses such as boat rentals, food stalls and fishing.

Closing

For our reservoir geomembrane projects, we always use high-quality materials because our clients come first. If you are interested, please contact us through the contact number on the petrane.co.id website today.