A water retaining and dissipating bedding for a utility line consists of an elongate trench formed in the earth. A filter fabric wrap is provided lining a lengthwise segment of the trench, with a lengthwise segment having a select length. A first select depth of a porous particulate material resting on a trench bottom underlies a non-perforated utility line being installed and supports the non-perforated utility line in the lengthwise segment. A second select depth of porous particulate material overlies the non-perforated utility line in the lengthwise segment. The length of the lengthwise segment, the first select depth and the second select depth are selected to store a select volume of water. A water supply may be provided in liquid communication with the porous particulate material. The water supply may be a bioretention facility for capturing storm water run-off. A method of building a water retaining and dissipating bedding for a non-perforated utility line includes determining a volume of water to be dissipated and selecting the length of the lengthwise segment, the first select depth and the second select depth are selected to store the determined volume of water.