SARVAJANIK EDUCATION SOCIETY

SARVAJANIK COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

SURAT affiliated with

Gujarat Technological University

AHMEDABAD

P. G. CENTER IN

FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Graduate Report on
“STORM WATER MANAGEMENT”
In the partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of degree of
MASTER OF ENGINEERING (TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING) – I SEMESTER – I
Under the subject of
INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
(Course code : 3714803)

Prepared by:
VAKHARIA SIDDHI R.
M. E. (TCP) – I, Semester – I
Under the guidance of

Prof. Himanshu J. Padhya

Ad – Hoc Assistant Professor, FCE, SCET

Prof. Palak S. Shah

Ad – Hoc Assistant Professor, FCE, SCET

(SEPTEMBER, 2018)
 Faculty of Civil Engineering

SARVAJANIK COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, SURAT

(2018 - 19)

DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the work being presented in this Graduate Report on “STORM WATER
MANAGEMENT” by VAKHARIA SIDDHI Semester – I, ME (Town & Country Planning) - I bearing Roll
No.: 023 submitted to the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Sarvajanik College of Engineering and
Technology, Surat; is an authentic record of my own work carried out during the period of odd
semester 2018-2019 under the supervision of P.G. In-Charge (TCP) & Associate Prof. Himanshu J.
Padhya and Ad-Hoc Assistant Prof. Palak S. Shah. Neither the source there in, nor the content of the
seminar report have been copied or downloaded from any other source directly. I understand that
my result grades would be revoked if later it is found to be so.

______________________

( VAKHARIA SIDDHI )

(Roll No: 180420748023)

Faculty of Civil Engineering

 SARVAJANIK COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY,
SURAT

(2018-19)

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that Graduate Report entitled “STORM WATER MANAGEMENT” is presented under
the Course work of INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION PLANNING (COURSE CODE : 3714803)
and report is submitted by VAKHARIA SIDDHI (Roll No.:023) of 1st Semester for partial fulfilment of
requirement for the degree of MASTER OF ENGINEERING IN TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING of
Sarvajanik College of Engineering and Technology, Surat during the academic year 2018-2019.

______________________ ____________________ ______________________

Prof. Himanshu J. Padhya Prof. Palak S. Shah Prof. (Dr.) Jigar K. Sevalia
Professor (TCP) Ad-Hoc Assistant Faculty & Head
Professor (TCP) Faculty of Civil Engineering

External Examiner

Date: _____________

Place: _____________
 INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION PLANNING(3714803) [Year]

CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Storm water in Urban & Rural Area
3. Advantages and Disadvantages of SWM
4. SWM at Governance level and Agency
5. Storm water management systems
5.1. Detention Ponds
5.2. Retention Ponds
5.3. Onsite Detention (OSD)
5.4. Rainwater Harvesting
5.5. Green Roofs
5.6. Constructed Wetlands
5.7. Infiltration Trenches
5.8. Grass Filter Stripes
5.9. Grassed Swales
5.10. Pervious Pavements
5.11. Infiltration Basin
6. Operations and Maintenance of SWM
7. Health Aspects
8. Treatment of Storm water
9. Concluding Remark
References

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1. Introduction
1.1 What is Storm water and Storm water management?

• Storm water is Rainwater and melted Snow that runs off Streets, Lawns and other
sites. When storm water is absorbed into the ground, it is filtered and ultimately refills
Aquifers or flows into streams and rivers.

• Storm water management means to manage surface runoff. It can be applied in rural
areas, but is essential in urban areas where run-off cannot infiltrate because the
surfaces are impermeable.

Storm water, also spelled storm water, is water that originates during precipitation events and
snow/ice melts. Storm water can soak into the soil (infiltrate), be held on the surface and
evaporate, or runoff and end up in nearby streams, rivers, or other water bodies (surface
water)

In natural landscapes such as forests, the soil absorbs much of the storm water and plants help
hold storm water close to where it falls. In developed environments, unmanaged storm water
can create two major issues: one related to the volume and timing of runoff water (flooding)
and the other related to potential contaminants that the water is carrying (water pollution).

Storm water is also an important resource as the world's human population demand exceeds
the availability of readily available water. Techniques of storm water harvesting with point
source water management and purification can potentially make urban environments self-
sustaining in terms of water.

Stormwater management aims to restore the natural water cycle as closely as possible. While
cities still remain impervious, smart stormwater management replicates the natural
underground aquifers and even allows for the reuse in water-intensive activities like farming.
The simplest stormwater management technique is water storage tanks that collect the excess
precipitation. This water can be treated and recycled for urban purposes like plumbing,
sprinkling, and even indoor uses like washing.

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1.2 Importance of Storm water Management

As opposed to allowing for flooding in cities, smart stormwater management opens up
several opportunities including:

1. Channelling it to irrigation systems, where it is needed the most.

2. Controlling of erosion and making our natural river systems cleaner.
3. Removal of pollutants, since stormwater carries a large amount of urban trash along.
4. Flood control and restoring city life to normalcy.
5. Restoring the natural topography of our river systems.

Apart from this, the stormwater system also:

• Makes our homes and land stronger and less prone to water damage
• Lowers property maintenance costs
• Reduces our water dependence, thus lower water bills
• Increases the value of our land

1.3 Stormwater Management in the Indian Context

Rapidly growing urbanization and the
uncontrolled changing of the natural landscape has
brought out a serious problem for many Indian
cities. While natural calamities like flood are on
the rise every year, urban and semi-urban areas
are continuously striving to improve their drainage
systems. The problem is not recent, if we look

deeper. Most big cities go long back in history and

Figure 1 Mumbai in Rainy Days © Hindustan Times
are consequently challenged with the lack of
modern drainage infrastructure. However, infrastructure is not the only cause of the damage
we witness every year. Illegal encroachments,
rapidly growing industry and disregard of natural
waterways are even contaminating our river
system and the best example is that of the
Ganges.

Every year during the monsoons, developed cities

like Chennai, Delhi & Mumbai are crippled by
Figure 2 Chennai flood,2016 Thehindu
continuous floods. While changing the city
infrastructure as a whole would be a complicated

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and expensive concept, stormwater management practices can reduce the burden to a great
extent. This is the only sustainable way to take care of the flooding, along with the pollution.

2. Stormwater in Rural & Urban Areas

2.1 Storm water in Rural areas

In rural areas, the cumulative impact of

countryside living subdivisions, roads
and buildings causes an increase in peak
flow rates, and the volume of water that
is discharged after storm events. This
leads to 2 key effects: flooding and
stream erosion (ARC 2010). The main
problem in rural areas is impermeable

Figure 3 Near Jodhpur, Rajeshthan surfaces (e.g. caused by roads and

buildings) and overstrained sewer
systems. In rural areas and agricultural land it can lead to erosion. Furthermore, this water
could be used for agriculture and drinking water. Beside techniques that can be
implemented in rural and urban areas (read more below), there are specific tools for rural
areas and agriculture land. These include irrigation systems, called spate irrigation, or
small-scale precipitation techniques such as micro basins, gully plug, field trenches,
bunds, dams and of course rooftop harvesting. All of these techniques make use of
important water sources while also reducing peak flows during rainy periods, storing
water, and attenuating the power and velocity of floods

2.2 Stormwater Management in Urban Areas

Figure 4 Natural water Cycle to sustainable Urban water Cycle

Any urban development will affect or make an impact on its environment. Construction
of roads or buildings significantly changes the hydraulic properties of an area. Typically,
pervious layers are rendered less permeable or even impermeable. Depressions are raised
to prevent ponding. Surfaces and conduits are constructed to drain runoff more
efficiently. Natural vegetation is often removed, causing reduced interception and

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transpiration by plants. Limited vegetation cover exposes the soil to the impact of rain,
which may lead to increased erosion. Natural meandering watercourses may be canalised
to more effectively route flows through the development. Stormwater management is the
science of limiting these negative impacts on the environment and enhancing the positive
impacts, or catering for the hydraulic needs of a development while minimising the
associated negative environmental impacts (CSIR 2000).

In urban and developed areas, impervious surfaces such as pavement and roofs prevent
precipitation from naturally soaking into the ground. Instead, water runs rapidly into
storm drains, sewer systems and drainage ditches and can cause flooding, erosion,
turbidity (or muddiness), storm and sanitary sewer system overflow, and infrastructure
damage. However, stormwater design and “green infrastructure” capture and reuse
stormwater to maintain or restore natural hydrology.

Detaining stormwater and removing pollutants is the primary purpose of stormwater

management. Pervious Surfaces that are porous and allow rainfall and snowmelt to soak
into the soil, Gray infrastructure, such as culverts, gutters, storm sewers, conventional
piped drainage, and Blue/Green infrastructure that protect, restore, or mimic the natural
water cycle, all play a part in stormwater management. The traditional model of
stormwater management is based on a misconception. It aims the draining of urban runoff
as quick as possible with the help of channels and pipes (see also sewer systems), which
increases peak flows and costs of stormwater management. This type of solution only
transfers flood problems from one section of the basin to another section. Urban runoff
contains a large amount of solids and a higher concentration of metals and other toxic
components (PARKINSON et al. 2010).

A more sustainable approach is Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM), which

refers to the practice of managing freshwater, wastewater, and stormwater as links within
the resource management structure, using an urban area as the unit of management
(UNEP 2009). IUWM includes the following activities:

 Improve water supply and consumption efficiency

 Ensure adequate water quality for drinking water as well as wastewater treatment
through the use of Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs) and preventive
management practices
 Utilise alternative water sources, including rainwater and reclaimed and treated water
 Engage communities to reflect their needs and knowledge for water management
 Establish and implement policies and strategies to facilitate the above activities
 Support capacity development of personnel and institutions that are engaged in
IUWM
 Improve economic efficiency of services to sustain operations and investments for
water, wastewater, and stormwater management

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3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Storm water management

Advantages:
 Provides proper drainage of surface run-off and avoids damages on infrastructure
such as private properties and streets.
 Provides possibility to recharge groundwater and re-use precipitation water and
surface run-off as irrigation or household water.
 Collected water can be reused for groundwater recharge, urban landscaping or
farming, etc.
 Treatment of storm water in a very early stage
 Avoids damages on infrastructure (private properties, streets, etc.); flood prevention
 Provides effective storm water flood control.
 It can be integrated into the urban landscape and provide green and recreational areas.
 Revenue generated by a storm water utility can be used as a new, dedicated source of
funds to supplement or replace the community's current storm water management
funding, enabling tax-based funding to be used for other community needs.

Disadvantages:
 Expert planning, implementation, operation and maintenance required for a storm
water management.
 Depends on the technique, a lot of operation and labour required.
 There is risk of clogging infiltration system caused by high sedimentation rates.
 Temporary covering methods, such as plastic sheeting, can become torn or ripped,
exposing the contaminant to precipitation and/or storm water runoff.

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4. Storm water management at Governance level and Agency:

Figure 5 Storm water Management at Governance level

Agency: (Environment Protection Agency)

EPA works to reduce runoff and improve water quality by implementing stormwater
management at its facilities. Stormwater is rainwater or melted snow that runs off streets,
lawns and other sites. When stormwater is absorbed into soil, it is filtered and ultimately
replenishes aquifers or flows into streams and rivers.

In developed areas, impervious surfaces such as pavement and roofs prevent precipitation
from naturally soaking into the ground. Instead, water runs rapidly into storm drains, sewer
systems and drainage ditches and can cause:

 Downstream flooding
 Stream bank erosion
 Increased turbidity (muddiness created by stirred up sediment) from erosion
 Habitat
 destruction
 Combined storm and sanitary sewer system overflows
 Infrastructure damage
 Contaminated streams, rivers and coastal water

Storm water is actually concern for two Main Issues:

 Related to the volume and timing of runoff water (Flood control and Water supplies)

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 Related to polluted contaminants that the water is carrying, i.e. Water Pollution.
5. Storm Water Management Systems
Stormwater management is not a concept of the modern era. Civilizations have been careful
about smart drainage systems and a striking example is the man-made aquifers of the
Harappan Civilization. In the Indian urban landscape today, stormwater management takes
the form of:

1. Storage Type Systems:

• Detention Ponds
• Retention Ponds
• Rain Garden & Bio retention

• Onsite Detention (OSD)

• Rainwater Harvesting
• Green Roofs / Rooftop Gardens

• Constructed Wetlands

2. Infiltration Type Systems

• Infiltration Trenches

• Grass Filter Stripes

• Grassed Swales

• Pervious Pavements
• Infiltration Basin

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5.1. Detention Ponds

Extended Detention Basin Components. Source: NJDEP (2004)

Detention ponds are excavated reservoirs or constructed in natural depressions, which

are dry during low flow periods. They provide temporary storage of stormwater
runoff attenuation for both stormwater quality and quantity management. To ensure
the pollution removal role, ponds must be designed to allow stormwater to sit long
enough to settle out the solids (PARKINSON et al. 2010; NJDEP 2004)

5.2. Retention Ponds

Retention ponds (see also retention basins) are primarily designed to improve the
quality of water from stormwater flows, but are often employed as flood control
devices. They are designed not to dry out during dry periods, thus retaining water
permanently as a part of their volume. The basic design parameter is the residence
time, generally between 2 and 4 weeks. Water quality improvement occurs mainly
through settling (PARKINSON et al. 2010).

5.3. Onsite Detention (OSD)

A possible OSD design with modular tank boxes. Source: ATLANTIS (n.y)

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On-site Stormwater Detention (OSD) is a way of collecting the rain that falls on a site
(known as stormwater or surface run-off), storing it temporarily, and then releasing it slowly
so that it doesn’t worsen downstream flooding. It is mostly used in urban and residential areas
and can be retrofitted in existing buildings (PARKINSON et al. 2010; UPRCT n.y.).

5.4. Rainwater Harvesting

Interest in adapting rainwater harvesting in urban areas is increasing as it provides the
combined benefits of conserving potable water and reducing stormwater runoff. When
harvested rainwater is used to irrigate landscaped areas, the water is either evapotranspired by
vegetation or infiltrated into the soil, thereby helping to maintain predevelopment water
balance. The rain that falls upon a catchment surface, such as a roof, is collected and
conveyed into a storage tank. With minimal pre-treatment (e.g., gravity filtration or first-flush
diversion), the captured rainwater can be used for outdoor non-potable water uses such as
irrigation and pressure washing, or in the building to flush toilets or urinals (adapted from
TRCA & CVC 2010). It is also a widely used useful technique in rural areas.

5.5. Green Roofs

Green roofs, also known as “living roofs” or “rooftop gardens”, consist of a thin layer of
vegetation and growing medium installed on top of a conventional flat or sloped roof. Green
roofs are touted for their benefits to cities, as they improve energy efficiency, reduce urban
heat island effects, and create green space for passive recreation or aesthetic enjoyment.
Green roofs or vertical gardens can also be irrigated with treated greywater for instance. To a
water resources manager, they are attractive for their water quality, water balance, and peak
flow control benefits. From a hydrologic perspective, the green roof acts like a lawn or
meadow by storing rainwater in the growing medium and ponding areas. Read more about it
in TRCA & CVC (2010).

5.6. Constructed Wetlands

Beside constructed wetlands (e.g. horizontal flow) for wastewater treatment, there are also
engineered stormwater wetlands to manage flood peaks, improving water quality of surface
run-off and restoring some of the cities natural habitat and birdlife (AUCKLAND CITY
COUNCIL (2010). Read more about these wetlands in METROCOUNCIL (n.y.). They can
be combined with surface and subsurface groundwater recharge systems or soil aquifer
treatment.

5.7. Infiltration Trenches

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Design of infiltration trenches. Source: RIVERSIDE (n.y.) and SUSTAINABLE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT (2007)

Infiltration trenches are shallow excavations that are filled with uniformly crushed stone
(similar to soak pits) to create underground reservoirs for stormwater runoff. The runoff
gradually exfiltrates through the bottom of the trench into the subsoil and eventually into the
water table. The walls and the top are lined with geotextile to avoid sediment penetration.
Trench designs may be modified to include vegetative cover and other features, establishing a
bio-filtration area. They are often constructed beside outdoor parking lots or beside streets.
Treatment occurs during infiltration into the soil. However, there is a risk of clogging where
sedimentation concentration in runoff is high (DEP & CZM 1997; PARKINSON et al. 2010).

5.8. Grass Filter Stripes

Grass filter stripe in combination with infiltration trenches (stone drop) and forest filter. Source: BARR ENGINEERING
COMPANY (2001)

Grass filter stripes (also known as filter stripes or grassed filters) are densely vegetated,
uniformly graded areas that treat surface flow from adjacent impervious areas. Grass filter
stripes function by slowing runoff velocities, trapping sediment and other pollutants and
providing a modest infiltration (BARR ENGINEERING COMPANY 2001).

5.9. Grassed Swales

Enhanced grass swales feature check dams that temporarily pond runoff to increase pollutant retention and infiltration and
decrease flow velocity. Source: TRCA & CVC (2010)

Grass swales (also called vegetated swales) are open grassed channels in which stormwater
runoff is slowed down and partially infiltrated along their course. Check dams and vegetation
in the swale slow the water to allow sedimentation, filtration through the root zone and soil
matrix, evapotranspiration, and infiltration into the underlying native soil. Simple grass
channels or ditches have long been used for stormwater conveyance, particularly for roadway
drainage. Enhanced grass swales incorporate design features such as modified geometry
and check dams that improve the contaminant removal and runoff reduction functions of

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simple grass channel and roadside ditch designs (PARKINSON et al. 2010; TRCA & CVC
2010).

5.10. Pervious Pavements

A theoretical cross section of porous pavement (left) and porous pavement during a demonstration. Source: TECOECO
(n.y.)

Pervious pavement is a permeable pavement surface with a stone reservoir underneath. The
reservoir temporarily stores surface runoff before infiltrating it into the subsoil or sub-surface
drainage and in the process improves the water quality. Porous materials such as ancient lime
mortars and pervious pavements are made using relatively mono graded materials. In the case
of pervious pavement this translates as a lack of "fine" materials. Pervious pavement is also
sometimes also referred to as “no fines concrete” (adapted from TECOECO n.y.).

5.11. Infiltration Basin

An infiltration basin (also called infiltration pond) is a facility constructed within highly
permeable soils that provides temporary storage of stormwater runoff (see also surface
groundwater recharge). An infiltration basin does not normally have a structural outlet (like
detention basins) to discharge runoff from the stormwater quality design storm. Instead,
outflow from an infiltration basin is through the surrounding soil. An infiltration basin may
also be combined with an extended detention basin to provide additional runoff storage for
both stormwater quality and quantity management. The adopted TSS removal rate for
infiltration basins is 80 per cent (NJDEP 2004).

6. Operation and Maintenance

All storm water management systems need a proper O&M service. Regular maintenance
extends the life of storm water systems, improves site drainage, and reduces pollution
entering surface waters and groundwater. Governmental facilities as well as private property
owners are responsible for O&M.

A proper organised O&M service is essential to:

• Extend the life span of stormwater systems.

• Improve the site drainage.
• Reduce pollution entering surface waters and groundwater.

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7. Health Aspects

Modern stormwater techniques mostly have some ecological treatment effects with the
general aim to protect the health, welfare and safety of the public), and to protect property
from flood hazards by safely routing and discharging stormwater from developments.

A problem for the public health, but also for the proper function of the stormwater facilities,
can be urban solid waste. Legal and illegal domestic sewer connections to stormwater
drainage systems mean that ancillaries, such as retention basins, become pollutant traps.
During high floods, these are washed out and can lead to water contamination (PARKINSON
et al. 2010).

Furthermore, high loads of fine sediments can clog infiltration systems, leading to permanent
ponding. This can result in mosquito breeding, which is a major problem in humid climates
where malaria and other tropical diseases are common.

8. Treatment of Storm Water

• Contaminants in water may include algae, air pollution, bird excrement, and leaves,
sand, and dust. Local wells have dealt with these problems for decades.

• Installation of filtration and purification equipment can remove these contaminants at

home as well.

• First, take measures to keep foreign matter out of the incoming rain water, flush
devices, gutter screens and other screening mechanisms keep the rainwater as clean as
possible before it enters the conveyance system.

• Mainly used treatment process are;

 Filtration & Uv treatment

 Chlorination
 Solar Pasteurization

Role of Infrastructure

• Green infrastructure

It is functioned as water management that protects, restores, or mimics the natural water
cycle.

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• Grey infrastructure

It is man-made designed to move urban storm-water away from the built environment.
Both infrastructure are involved in storm water management system.

9. Concluding Remark
• Theoretically, storm water management is necessary in every settlement, rural or
urban, to protect human health, prevent water pollution, (re-)use precipitation water
(on agriculture or household level) and prevent damages to infrastructure.

• It is essential in urban areas where constructed surfaces change the hydraulic

properties and prevent infiltration due to imperviousness of surface. The whole
management has to be adapted to the local conditions (climate, topography, resources,
etc.)

• Therefore, expert knowledge is required and as well skilled person to installation,

operation and maintenance of storm water management systems.

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10. References
• Sustainable Sanitation and Water Management(https://sswm.info/)

• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change. (www.envfor.nic.in/)

• Eec environmental (www.eecenvironmental.com )

• Food and Agricultural Organization (www.fao.org/)

• Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov/)

• The International Fund for Agricultural Development.( www.ifad.org/)

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