As rainfall patterns shift across Southeast Michigan, stormwater management has become a central part of how communities plan and build. More frequent and intense storms are placing added pressure on infrastructure, especially in areas served by combined sewer systems.
These systems carry both sanitary and stormwater flows, which means heavy rain can quickly overwhelm capacity. The result is an increased risk of flooding, from streets to basements.
A growing focus for developers and engineers is managing stormwater where it falls. Instead of sending large volumes of runoff directly into the system, projects are incorporating solutions that store, slow, and reduce flow.
Common approaches include detention systems that release water gradually, retention methods that allow infiltration into the ground, and green infrastructure such as rain gardens and permeable surfaces. Together, these strategies help limit peak flow during storm events.
Michael Marks, PE, a partner at Giffels Webster, emphasizes the importance of this approach in protecting both local and regional systems.
“Separating stormwater from sanitary flow or at least slowing it down before it reaches the system, makes a measurable difference,” Marks said. “It helps create capacity and reduces the likelihood of flooding.”
Integrating these solutions early in the design process allows developments to contribute to overall system performance. In dense urban areas, where non-porous surfaces dominate, this can have a meaningful impact.
Stormwater solutions today are also more adaptable and integrated into the developed environment. Underground storage preserves usable space, supporting pedestrian, vehicular or landscaped elements that enhance both function and appearance.
Equally important is recognizing that stormwater is a shared challenge. Each project plays a role in supporting a larger network that extends beyond individual sites.
At Giffels Webster, stormwater management is approached as both an engineering priority and an opportunity to build resilience. By focusing on practical, forward-looking solutions, we can help communities better withstand the demands of changing weather conditions.
