The state of wireless connectivity and microcomputer technology make it now practical to precisely control the timing, volume and rate of discharge from stormwater management facilities; thereby greatly enhancing their performance. Traditional Stormwater Management design techniques utilize static synthetic rainfall distributions that are assumed to last 24 hours. Smart Stormwater Management Systems utilize artificial intelligence to adapt stormwater management facility behavior to hyper-local precipitation forecasts; both precipitation quantity and temporal distribution. Smart Stormwater Management Systems react to this data in real time, even when the forecast updates. Likewise, Smart Stormwater Management Systems can maximize the opportunity for runoff reduction (via infiltration/evaporation) by retaining the runoff volume for the entire period of time between storm events. In so doing Smart Stormwater Management Systems maximize the opportunity for pollutant reduction, aquifer recharge and/or stormwater reuse. 

This “improved” extended detention technique can result in noteworthy runoff reduction, even for stormwater facilities that have only modest infiltration capacity. The reduction in runoff volume correlates directly to a reduction in kinetic energy imposed upon the downstream channel; thereby reducing the potential for stream channel erosion. When Smart Stormwater Management Systems release stored water, they do so in advance of the impending precipitation event and at the minimum discharge rate possible to minimize the erosive energy imposed upon the downstream channel/stream. The timing of releases from Smart Stormwater Management Systems are typically offset from that of other portions of the watershed; thereby further reducing both downstream erosion, flooding and/or CSOs.

The Solution to Designing Climate Resilient Stormwater Infrastructure is in the Forecast

Created in 1999, the Environmental & Water Resources Institute (EWRI) is the recognized leader within ASCE for the integration of technical expertise and public policy in the planning, design, construction, and operation of environmentally sound and sustainable infrastructure impacting air, land and water resources.

[Paper Proceedings](https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784483466)

Conference DOI: https://doi.org/10.26226/m.6329c39b68fb0e00131f77d2