Citation:

Platz, M., M. Simon, AND M. Tryby. Testing of Storm Water Management Model Low Impact Development Modules. JAWRA. American Water Resources Association, Middleburg, VA, 56(2):283-296, (2020). https://doi.org/10.1111/1752-1688.12832

Impact/Purpose:

The purpose of this article is to test Stormwater Management Model's ability to predict low impact development device modules infiltration and runoff performance

Description:

Optimal management of wet weather flows is an integral component of many urban systems, posing a multi-billion-dollar, multi-decade infrastructure upgrade investment. Municipalities rely heavily on software such as the EPA’s Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) to simulate stormwater and wastewater infrastructure performance as an enhanced decision-making tool. As such, the accuracy of SWMM should be rigorously analyzed to ensure adequate model performance. The main objective of this study was to quantify how accurately SWMM v5.1.10 simulates the hydraulic activity of previously monitored low impact developments. Model performance was evaluated by mathematically comparing empirical data to model results using a multi-event, multi-objective calibration method. The calibration methodology utilized PEST software, a parameter estimation tool to determine unmeasured hydraulic parameters. This study led to several model improvements. SWMM does not model lateral exfiltration which severely limited its accuracy in predicting hydraulic performance for narrow low impact development controls LIDs such as infiltration trenches. It was determined that SWMM can successfully simulate LIDs given accurate model configuration, parameter measurement, and model calibration to site-specific hydraulic data.

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