Stormwater Management for Non-Stormwater Engineers

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Apply fundamental hydrology and hydraulics concepts to assess stormwater and drainage issues in real projects
• Estimate runoff and peak flows using practical, industry‑standard methods and available data
• Evaluate the performance and design intent of drainage systems, culverts, channels, and stormwater infrastructure
• Identify common stormwater risks related to flooding, erosion, water quality, and regulatory compliance
• Contribute effectively to stormwater planning, design reviews, and operations discussions without relying on advanced mathematics

Description

Stormwater Management is a critical branch of engineering focused on understanding water behaviour and protecting people and property from the adverse effects of surface water. Flooding, drainage failures, erosion, and water quality concerns can carry significant safety, financial, and regulatory risks, yet many practitioners are expected to engage with these issues based on drawings, reports, and consultant recommendations rather than detailed calculations.

This course provides a practical, structured introduction to the core principles of hydrology, hydraulics, and stormwater management as they are applied in the field. You will develop an understanding of how runoff is generated, how flows are estimated, and how drainage infrastructure and stormwater controls are designed and evaluated in practice. Emphasis is placed on interpretation, judgment, and decision‑making rather than mathematical derivation.

Through real‑world examples, simplified calculations, and hands‑on exercises, the course equips you with the confidence to participate meaningfully in stormwater‑related discussions, review technical information critically, and support sound drainage and stormwater decisions within your professional role.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for:

• Engineers and engineering technologists who do not specialize in hydrology or stormwater engineering
• Professionals in civil, mechanical, electrical, mining, chemical, agricultural, and municipal engineering roles
• Project engineers, inspectors, field review personnel, and municipal or facility staff involved in drainage or site development projects
• Contractors, manufacturers, and property or facilities managers who interact with stormwater systems
• Professionals seeking a practical refresher on stormwater principles without advanced mathematical complexity

Day I

Hydrology and Hydraulics

• Introduction - Engineering Concepts
• Hydrologic Cycle
• Simplifications for ease of assessment
• Runoff Calculations
• Introducing the Rational Method
• Engineering Hydrology
• Statistical analysis and uncertainty
• Rainfall and Analyses
• IDF curves
• Time of Concentration
• Simple Application of the Rational Method
• Computer Models for runoff estimation – when and why?
• Recorded stream discharges
• Estimating Floods Using Stream Flow Records
• Effect of Climate Change
• Example Calculations and Exercises.
• River and Open Channel Hydraulics
• Basic Hydraulic Theory
• Design of Open Channels
• Flood Plain Analysis
• Design Standards and Risk
• Flood Proofing Methods
• Example Calculations and Exercises.
• Hydraulic Structures
• Design of Storm Sewers using the Rational Method
• Design of Culverts and Bridge Openings
• Drainage Design Software - A Review
• Example Calculations and Exercises.

Day II

Land Drainage and Stormwater Management

• Why do we need stormwater management?
• Evolution of stormwater management
• Change in peak flows and runoff volumes
• Change in water quality
• Change in groundwater recharge
• Change in stable river systems
• Review of the latest flood control & stormwater management criteria
• Floodproofing through planning and watershed management
• Relying on flood insurance
• Floodproofing by design
• Urban Drainage with Minor and Major systems
• Review of stormwater best management practices & role of stormwater management
• Drainage Design and Stormwater Management
• Stormwater Ponds and Alternative Design Characteristics
• Alternative Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs)
• Low Impact Developments (LID)
• Outline of Most Frequently Used BMP Designs: Wet ponds, and grass swales
• Operation and Maintenance of Stormwater BMPs
• Monitoring of BMPs
• Infiltration and Erosion/Sediment Control
• Erosion and Sediment Control
• Recent trends in Stormwater Management and Low Impact Developments
• Legal Implication of the Common Law
• Stormwater Management Plans, Studies, Reports
• Plans for Development Projects
• Watershed Studies
• General Report Requirements

Questions & Answers & Feedback to Participants on Achievement of Learning Outcomes