Stormwater Drainage Planning & Studies
Understanding how water moves before you design around it
Before you can solve a drainage problem or plan a development's stormwater, you have to understand how water actually moves across the land. Colman Engineering performs stormwater drainage planning and studies for clients across Virginia, analyzing existing drainage, identifying problems, and mapping out solutions. These studies turn a confusing water situation into a clear plan.
Benefits
Stormwater Drainage Planning & Studies
See the whole drainage picture
We analyze how water moves across and through your site or area, not just at one point. That system-level view reveals the real causes of drainage problems.
Solutions grounded in analysis
Recommendations are grounded in hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, so proposed solutions address the actual problem rather than a guess.
A plan you can act on
A study translates the analysis into clear, prioritized recommendations. You come away knowing what to do, not just what's wrong.
From existing conditions to a clear drainage plan
We study how stormwater currently moves across the site or area, mapping drainage patterns, contributing areas, and problem spots. We analyze the hydrology and hydraulics to understand why issues occur and how the system behaves in different storms. We then develop and evaluate options, and present recommendations you can act on. The study can stand alone as a planning tool or become the basis for detailed design of the recommended improvements.
Use Cases
A drainage study fits when you need to understand a water problem or plan drainage for a larger area.
01
You have recurring drainage problems
Flooding, ponding, or erosion keeps happening and you're not sure why. A study identifies the causes and the solutions worth pursuing.
02
You're planning a larger development
A sizeable project needs a coordinated drainage approach. A study establishes how stormwater will be managed across the site.
03
You need to evaluate options
You're weighing different drainage fixes and want to know which works best. A study analyzes and compares the alternatives.
Tips and FAQs
A drainage study is a planning and analysis tool; implementing its recommendations is a separate design and construction step, though the study sets that up well. The right scope depends on the size of the area and the questions you're trying to answer. Because drainage problems often originate off site or upstream, a study that looks beyond your immediate property frequently uncovers the real cause.
What does a drainage study include?
Typically an analysis of existing drainage patterns, the hydrology and hydraulics involved, identification of problems, and recommended solutions. We scope it to your specific questions and area.
Will a study fix my drainage problem?
A study identifies the causes and recommends solutions; implementing them is a separate design and construction step. The study makes sure that work targets the real problem.
Do you look beyond my property?
Often, yes. Drainage problems frequently originate upstream or off site, so understanding the contributing area is important to identifying the true cause.
Can a study lead into design?
Yes. The study's recommendations can move directly into detailed design, allowing the work to build on the analysis already completed.
