Quick Overview
- 1#1: HydroCAD - Performs stormwater hydrologic and hydraulic modeling for peak flow, runoff volumes, and pond designs with easy import of terrain data.
- 2#2: EPA SWMM - Free public-domain tool for simulating urban stormwater runoff quantity and quality in sewer systems and natural waterways.
- 3#3: PCSWMM - Advanced stormwater and wastewater modeling software with 2D surface flooding, real-time control, and hydrology simulations.
- 4#4: XPSWMM - Comprehensive dynamic modeling of stormwater and wastewater systems including 1D/2D hydraulics and water quality analysis.
- 5#5: InfoSWMM - GIS-integrated stormwater management model for hydraulic and hydrologic simulation within Esri ArcGIS environments.
- 6#6: HEC-HMS - Hydrologic modeling system for simulating precipitation-runoff processes of dendritic drainage basins.
- 7#7: OpenFlows PondPack - Designs and analyzes stormwater detention ponds, outlets, and hydrodynamic routing structures.
- 8#8: OpenFlows StormCAD - Engineers stormwater drainage systems with pipe networks, inlets, and detention facilities analysis.
- 9#9: Aquaveo WMS - Watershed modeling system for hydrologic and hydraulic simulations including stormwater runoff and floodplain analysis.
- 10#10: HEC-RAS - Models unsteady flow through rivers, stormwater channels, and overland flow with 2D capabilities.
We selected these tools based on depth of modeling features (including hydrology, hydraulic simulation, and 2D capabilities), user-friendliness, quality of integration with GIS and other systems, and overall value to professionals, ensuring a balanced list of robust and versatile options.
Comparison Table
Stormwater management requires robust software to model hydrological and hydraulic processes, with tools like HydroCAD, EPA SWMM, and PCSWMM among the most widely used. This comparison table details key features, use cases, and operational differences for top platforms, guiding readers to select the right tool for their project needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HydroCAD Performs stormwater hydrologic and hydraulic modeling for peak flow, runoff volumes, and pond designs with easy import of terrain data. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | EPA SWMM Free public-domain tool for simulating urban stormwater runoff quantity and quality in sewer systems and natural waterways. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 6.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 3 | PCSWMM Advanced stormwater and wastewater modeling software with 2D surface flooding, real-time control, and hydrology simulations. | specialized | 8.9/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | XPSWMM Comprehensive dynamic modeling of stormwater and wastewater systems including 1D/2D hydraulics and water quality analysis. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | InfoSWMM GIS-integrated stormwater management model for hydraulic and hydrologic simulation within Esri ArcGIS environments. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | HEC-HMS Hydrologic modeling system for simulating precipitation-runoff processes of dendritic drainage basins. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 7 | OpenFlows PondPack Designs and analyzes stormwater detention ponds, outlets, and hydrodynamic routing structures. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | OpenFlows StormCAD Engineers stormwater drainage systems with pipe networks, inlets, and detention facilities analysis. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Aquaveo WMS Watershed modeling system for hydrologic and hydraulic simulations including stormwater runoff and floodplain analysis. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | HEC-RAS Models unsteady flow through rivers, stormwater channels, and overland flow with 2D capabilities. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 5.8/10 | 10/10 |
Performs stormwater hydrologic and hydraulic modeling for peak flow, runoff volumes, and pond designs with easy import of terrain data.
Free public-domain tool for simulating urban stormwater runoff quantity and quality in sewer systems and natural waterways.
Advanced stormwater and wastewater modeling software with 2D surface flooding, real-time control, and hydrology simulations.
Comprehensive dynamic modeling of stormwater and wastewater systems including 1D/2D hydraulics and water quality analysis.
GIS-integrated stormwater management model for hydraulic and hydrologic simulation within Esri ArcGIS environments.
Hydrologic modeling system for simulating precipitation-runoff processes of dendritic drainage basins.
Designs and analyzes stormwater detention ponds, outlets, and hydrodynamic routing structures.
Engineers stormwater drainage systems with pipe networks, inlets, and detention facilities analysis.
Watershed modeling system for hydrologic and hydraulic simulations including stormwater runoff and floodplain analysis.
Models unsteady flow through rivers, stormwater channels, and overland flow with 2D capabilities.
HydroCAD
specializedPerforms stormwater hydrologic and hydraulic modeling for peak flow, runoff volumes, and pond designs with easy import of terrain data.
Patented multi-stage storage modeling that precisely handles irregular pond shapes, multiple outlets, and detailed stage-discharge relationships unmatched by competitors.
HydroCAD is a premier stormwater modeling software used by civil engineers for hydrologic and hydraulic analysis of drainage systems. It computes rainfall-runoff hydrographs using methods like SCS/NRCS Unit Hydrograph, Modified Rational, and detailed routing techniques for ponds, pipes, and channels. The program excels in designing and analyzing complex stormwater management facilities, generating comprehensive reports for regulatory compliance and permitting.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate and versatile hydrologic/hydraulic modeling with support for complex pond geometries and routing methods
- Intuitive graphical schematic editor for rapid model building and visualization
- Robust reporting tools with customizable outputs for permits and design documentation
- Dedicated customer support and frequent free updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with stormwater hydrology
- Windows-only (no native Mac/Linux support)
- Upfront perpetual license cost higher than free/open-source alternatives
Best For
Professional civil engineers and stormwater designers handling urban development projects requiring precise, regulatory-compliant modeling.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses starting at $1,195 (Silver), $2,495 (Gold), up to $3,495 (Platinum), with optional add-on modules.
EPA SWMM
specializedFree public-domain tool for simulating urban stormwater runoff quantity and quality in sewer systems and natural waterways.
Advanced physics-based simulation of surcharging, ponding, and backwater effects in pressurized sewer systems
EPA SWMM (Storm Water Management Model) is a free, open-source software developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for simulating urban stormwater runoff, sewer hydraulics, and water quality. It supports dynamic modeling of rainfall-runoff processes, flow routing through conveyance systems, and treatment with low-impact development (LID) controls for both single events and long-term periods. Widely adopted in engineering practice, it aids in the design, analysis, and optimization of stormwater management infrastructure.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Industry-standard for comprehensive hydrologic, hydraulic, and water quality modeling
- Robust support for green infrastructure (LID/BMPs) and pollutant transport
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring hydraulic modeling expertise
- Dated graphical user interface with limited modern visualization
- Complex setup for large-scale or real-time applications
Best For
Experienced civil engineers and researchers modeling complex urban stormwater systems for regulatory compliance and design.
Pricing
Free (public domain, open-source)
PCSWMM
specializedAdvanced stormwater and wastewater modeling software with 2D surface flooding, real-time control, and hydrology simulations.
Integrated 1D/2D modeling engine for accurate simulation of pipe networks and surface flooding interactions
PCSWMM, developed by Computational Hydraulics International, is a comprehensive stormwater, wastewater, and watershed modeling software built on the EPA SWMM engine with an intuitive graphical user interface. It excels in simulating urban drainage systems, including 1D pipe networks, 2D overland flow, low-impact development (LID) controls, and real-time operations. The software supports advanced calibration, optimization, and scenario analysis for engineers designing resilient stormwater infrastructure.
Pros
- Powerful 1D/2D hydrodynamic modeling with seamless integration
- Advanced tools for calibration, optimization, and real-time control
- Extensive visualization, reporting, and customization options
Cons
- Steep learning curve for users new to SWMM-based modeling
- Higher upfront cost compared to free alternatives like SWMM5
- Limited to Windows platform with no native Mac/Linux support
Best For
Experienced civil and environmental engineers managing complex urban stormwater and wastewater projects requiring precise 1D/2D simulations.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$4,995 for PCSWMM Standard, ~$7,995 for Professional; annual maintenance ~20% of license fee.
XPSWMM
enterpriseComprehensive dynamic modeling of stormwater and wastewater systems including 1D/2D hydraulics and water quality analysis.
Seamless integrated 1D/2D modeling for accurate simulation of surface and pipe flow interactions
XPSWMM, now part of Autodesk, is a powerful stormwater and wastewater modeling software built on the EPA SWMM engine with advanced enhancements for 1D/2D hydrodynamic simulations. It enables detailed analysis of urban drainage systems, rivers, floodplains, and combined sewer overflows, supporting planning, design, and regulatory compliance. The software integrates seamlessly with Autodesk tools like Civil 3D and InfoDrainage for comprehensive stormwater management workflows.
Pros
- Exceptional 1D/2D dynamic modeling for complex stormwater and flood simulations
- Strong integration with GIS, CAD, and Autodesk ecosystem
- Robust customization via scripting and extensive hydraulic database
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High resource demands for large-scale models
- Premium pricing limits accessibility for smaller firms
Best For
Professional civil engineers and municipal agencies tackling large-scale, complex stormwater and floodplain modeling projects.
Pricing
Subscription-based through Autodesk; starts around $5,000/year per user, with enterprise licensing available upon request.
InfoSWMM
enterpriseGIS-integrated stormwater management model for hydraulic and hydrologic simulation within Esri ArcGIS environments.
Integrated 1D/2D rainfall-runoff and overland flow modeling for accurate flood prediction
InfoSWMM, developed by Autodesk (formerly Innovyze), is a powerful stormwater modeling software built on the EPA-approved SWMM engine, enabling detailed simulation of urban drainage systems, wastewater collection, and flood management. It supports advanced 1D/2D hydraulic modeling, real-time control (RTC) strategies, and seamless integration with GIS data and Autodesk tools like Civil 3D. The software excels in hydrologic and hydraulic analysis for complex stormwater networks, making it suitable for municipal planning and engineering projects.
Pros
- Robust EPA SWMM engine with advanced 1D/2D modeling capabilities
- Excellent GIS and Autodesk ecosystem integration
- Comprehensive tools for real-time control and scenario analysis
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex user interface
- High subscription costs for smaller firms
- Limited out-of-the-box reporting customization
Best For
Experienced municipal engineers and stormwater modelers managing large-scale urban drainage and flood control projects.
Pricing
Annual subscription starting at around $5,000-$10,000 depending on modules and user seats; perpetual licenses available but less common.
HEC-HMS
specializedHydrologic modeling system for simulating precipitation-runoff processes of dendritic drainage basins.
Broad support for continuous and event-based hydrologic simulations with physically-based and conceptual methods, making it a government-standard for flood and stormwater modeling.
HEC-HMS (Hydrologic Engineering Center's Hydrologic Modeling System) is a free, public-domain software developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for simulating precipitation-runoff processes in watersheds. It supports event-based and continuous simulations using methods like unit hydrograph, kinematic wave, and Muskingum routing, ideal for flood analysis, reservoir design, and stormwater management. Widely used in government and consulting, it integrates with HEC-GeoHMS for GIS preprocessing and HEC-RAS for hydraulic modeling.
Pros
- Extremely comprehensive hydrologic modeling methods validated for real-world applications
- Free public-domain software with no licensing costs
- Strong integration with GIS tools and HEC-RAS for full watershed analysis
Cons
- Dated graphical user interface feels clunky compared to modern software
- Steep learning curve requiring significant hydrology expertise
- Limited built-in visualization and reporting capabilities
Best For
Experienced hydrologists and civil engineers handling complex, large-scale watershed simulations on a budget.
Pricing
Completely free as public-domain software from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
OpenFlows PondPack
enterpriseDesigns and analyzes stormwater detention ponds, outlets, and hydrodynamic routing structures.
Advanced multi-level riser and outlet device modeling for precise control of discharge hydrographs
OpenFlows PondPack is a comprehensive stormwater management software from Bentley Systems, specializing in the design, analysis, and optimization of detention ponds, retention basins, wetlands, and other best management practices (BMPs). It performs detailed hydrologic routing using methods like NRCS TR-20, TR-55, and rational method, along with stage-storage-discharge relationships and hydraulic structure modeling. The tool aids engineers in ensuring compliance with regulatory peak flow and water quality standards through iterative design capabilities.
Pros
- Powerful hydrograph routing and multi-stage outlet structure modeling
- Supports a wide array of hydrologic methods and BMP types
- Seamless integration with Bentley's OpenFlows suite and CAD tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to dense interface
- Primarily pond-focused, less ideal for full pipe networks or watershed modeling
- Enterprise pricing requires sales quote, potentially high for small firms
Best For
Experienced civil engineers and stormwater designers handling detailed pond and BMP analysis for municipal or large-scale development projects.
Pricing
Annual subscription or perpetual license; pricing upon request from Bentley, typically starting at $3,000-$5,000/year for standard editions.
OpenFlows StormCAD
enterpriseEngineers stormwater drainage systems with pipe networks, inlets, and detention facilities analysis.
Explicit dynamic wave solver for accurate unsteady flow routing and surcharge analysis
OpenFlows StormCAD, developed by Bentley Systems, is a robust stormwater modeling software for designing, analyzing, and optimizing drainage systems including pipes, open channels, inlets, manholes, and detention ponds. It supports a wide range of hydrologic methods like TR-20, TR-55, and Rational Method, along with hydraulic simulations for steady and unsteady flow. The tool integrates with CAD platforms like MicroStation and AutoCAD, facilitating detailed infrastructure planning compliant with industry standards.
Pros
- Comprehensive hydraulic and hydrologic modeling with explicit dynamic wave analysis
- Strong integration with Bentley MicroStation, AutoCAD, and GIS tools
- Extensive support for regulatory standards and customizable scenarios
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- High cost with subscription or perpetual licensing
- Resource-intensive for very large network models
Best For
Experienced civil engineers handling complex municipal stormwater and urban drainage designs.
Pricing
Subscription-based via Bentley CONNECT licensing (starting ~$4,000-$6,000/year per user) or perpetual with maintenance; custom quotes required.
Aquaveo WMS
specializedWatershed modeling system for hydrologic and hydraulic simulations including stormwater runoff and floodplain analysis.
Automated, GIS-driven watershed delineation and delineation from high-resolution DEMs with seamless multi-model integration
Aquaveo WMS (Watershed Modeling System) is a professional-grade hydrologic and hydraulic modeling software designed for watershed analysis, stormwater management, floodplain delineation, and urban drainage simulations. It excels in automated basin delineation from DEMs and LiDAR data, supporting a wide array of models including HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, TR-20, and XPSWMM for rainfall-runoff, channel routing, and 2D overland flow. WMS integrates seamlessly with GIS platforms, enabling detailed terrain processing and scenario analysis for stormwater infrastructure planning.
Pros
- Extensive support for industry-standard hydrologic and hydraulic models
- Powerful GIS-based terrain analysis and automated watershed delineation
- Advanced 2D/3D visualization and calibration tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High upfront cost and resource-intensive performance
- Limited out-of-the-box urban stormwater tools compared to specialized alternatives
Best For
Professional hydrologists and civil engineers managing large-scale watershed and stormwater projects in consulting firms or agencies.
Pricing
Quote-based perpetual licenses starting at ~$5,000 for base version, up to $15,000+ with modules; annual maintenance ~20% of license cost.
HEC-RAS
specializedModels unsteady flow through rivers, stormwater channels, and overland flow with 2D capabilities.
Advanced 2D rainfall-on-grid modeling for direct precipitation simulation and overland stormwater flow without needing external hydrographs
HEC-RAS, developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is a comprehensive hydraulic modeling software primarily designed for 1D and 2D steady and unsteady flow simulations in rivers, channels, and floodplains. For stormwater applications, it supports overland flow routing, urban flooding analysis, and precipitation-driven 2D rainfall-runoff modeling, making it suitable for large-scale stormwater hydraulics. It integrates with GIS data and tools like HEC-HMS for hydrology, offering robust capabilities for flood mapping and risk assessment.
Pros
- Exceptional 1D/2D coupled unsteady flow modeling for complex stormwater routing
- Free public domain software with extensive documentation and community support
- Strong integration with GIS and precipitation-runoff capabilities for flood inundation mapping
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and advanced hydraulics focus
- Limited native support for urban pipe networks and inlet/outlet hydraulics compared to dedicated stormwater tools
- High computational requirements for large 2D stormwater models
Best For
Hydraulic engineers and agencies modeling large-scale overland stormwater flow, floodplain flooding, and rural/urban flood hydraulics.
Pricing
Completely free to download and use from the official USACE website.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools showcase the breadth of stormwater software, with HydroCAD emerging as the top choice, excelling in terrain data import and comprehensive hydrologic/hydraulic modeling. EPA SWMM stands out as a free, public-domain option for quantity and quality simulations, while PCSWMM impresses with its advanced 2D capabilities and real-time control features. Each tool caters to distinct needs, ensuring solutions for diverse stormwater management challenges.
Explore HydroCAD to harness its intuitive terrain integration and robust modeling, and take the first step toward more effective stormwater project design and analysis.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison