Is Your Community Prepared for the Next Big Storm? How Proactive Stormwater Management Can Protect Your Infrastructure

Have you ever looked at a flooded street or water pooling in a park and asked:  “Could this have been prevented?” If so, you are not alone. Stormwater management is one of the most pressing yet often overlooked municipal responsibilities. But there is good news. You have the power to act, whether it is small, immediate fixes or long-term infrastructure improvements.

When you proactively address stormwater challenges, you’re not just fixing today’s problems, you’re building a more resilient future. Early investment in sustainable drainage solutions, floodplain planning, and green infrastructure, ensures that future development is guarded from frequent floods. Waiting until your community increases in size leads to higher costs and potentially greater disruptions to roadways, wastewater treatment, drinking water infrastructure, and emergency services.

An important first step in planning for stormwater management and flood mitigation is understanding your community’s flood risks. Preliminary flood mapping data is available from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) and the Federal Emergency Agency (FEMA). These resources provide valuable insights into areas susceptible to flooding, helping municipalities identify vulnerable regions and prioritize mitigation efforts. This data serves as a strong starting point for making informed decisions and guiding future infrastructure planning.

So, what can your municipality do today to create a stronger stormwater system? Let’s explore the solutions that communities like yours can implement – at different scopes and investment levels – to protect infrastructure, improve water quality, and enhance residents’ quality of life.

Where Do You Start?

1. How Can You Maximize Financial Resources? You might think stormwater management is expensive, but have you considered the cost of not acting? Flood damage repairs, road erosion, and emergency responses quickly add up. The good news is that funding opportunities exist – grants, cost-sharing programs, and partnerships can make stormwater initiatives more affordable. By planning ahead, you can reduce long-term costs while creating a more resilient community.

For instance, TWDB offers several funding programs that municipalities can for stormwater and flood mitigation projects. These include:

• Agricultural Water Conservation Grants and Loans: For projects that improve water management and conservation, which can also reduce excess runoff.
• Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF): Supports projects that reduce the impact of floods, including drainage improvements and floodplain management studies.
• Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF): Provides low-interest loans for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure projects.
• Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA): Helps communities reduce risk of flood damage to structures under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

In addition to these funding opportunities, some municipalities have explored stormwater utility fees to create a dedicated funding stream for stormwater improvements. While every community has unique financial considerations, this approach can provide a consistent revenue source to support infrastructure upgrades and long-term maintenance.

1. Is Your Infrastructure Keeping Up with the Challenge? Many drainage systems were designed decades ago. Are yours resilient and sustainable? If your town experiences frequent street flooding, erosion, or overwhelmed storm drains, it is time to assess your system. Upgrading culverts, installing new storm drains, and incorporating detention basins can help modernize your community’s water management approach.

And what about your other municipal utilities? Flooded streets do not just mean property damage – they can lead to excessive strain on wastewater treatment plants, contamination of drinking water sources, and disruptions to emergency services. A proactive stormwater approach protects roads and keeps your entire community infrastructure running smoothly.

1. Are Land Use Changes Increasing Your Stormwater Burden? As communities grow and develop, land use changes can have significant consequences for stormwater management. More pavement and rooftops mean less natural infiltration, leading to increased runoff. This excess water can cause bank and channel erosion, degrade stream health, and threaten nearby infrastructure.

Smart growth strategies – such as requiring permeable surfaces, preserving green space, incorporating green infrastructure and stormwater detention basins – can help maintain a natural balance while still allowing for development.

1. Do You Have the Knowledge and Resources to Succeed? You do nothave to be a stormwater expert to make a difference. Partnering with knowledgeable professionals, including water resources consultants, gives your municipality access to cutting-edge stormwater management techniques. With the right collaboration and training, your local teams can implement and maintain effective solutions tailored to your community’s unique needs.
2. Are You Keeping Up with Regulations? Federal and state regulations around stormwater management evolve constantly. Staying ahead of these requirements is not just about compliance – it is about protecting your water resources and ensuring your community qualifies for funding opportunities. Are you proactively aligning with best practices to meet (and even exceed) these standards?

What Are the Benefits of Stormwater Management?

Here’s the bigger picture – effective stormwater management leads to:

• Flood Prevention: Less standing water on roads, fewer flooded homes and businesses.
• Improved Water Quality: Less pollution in rivers, lakes, and drinking water sources.
• Infrastructure Longevity: Reduced road erosion, lower maintenance costs.
• Utility System Protection: Less strain on wastewater treatment plants, reduced contamination risks, and fewer service disruptions.
• Stream and Channel Protection: Reduced erosion and degradation of natural waterways.
• Better Community Health: Fewer mosquito breeding grounds, safer public spaces.

What Can You Do Now?

Not all stormwater solutions require major investments. Depending on your municipality’s budget and immediate needs, you can start with small changes and scale up over time.

Looking for Quick, Low-Cost Solutions?

• Install rain gardens and bioswales to naturally absorb runoff.
• Encourage residents and businesses to use rain barrels.
• Promote community education on stormwater best practices.

Ready for Mid-Range Investments?

• Upgrade storm drains and culverts to handle larger water volumes.
• Implement zoning policies that encourage permeable surfaces.
• Establish stormwater utility fees to fund ongoing improvements.

Thinking Long-Term?

• Develop a comprehensive floodplain management plan.
• Invest in large-scale green infrastructure projects.
• Implement stormwater detention and/or retention infrastructure to support sustainable and adaptive growth.

Solutions for Every Need

Don’t wait for the next big storm to take action.. Whether you are looking to make quick improvements or invest in long-term resilience, there are solutions available to fit your needs and budget.

Want to learn more? Contact me to discuss how we can help your municipality develop an effective stormwater strategy. And if you are attending the TFMA 2025 Annual Meeting, stop by our booth – we would love to hear about your community’s challenges and explore solutions together!