Stormwater is one of the first things a development has to get right, because it affects everything else. If runoff is not managed correctly, it can create flooding, erosion, property damage, and long-term maintenance issues that are difficult to unwind later. Across Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Colorado, the goal is the same: keep stormwater moving safely, predictably, and in compliance with local requirements.

Flood control design and stormwater management are not just about building a pond. A good plan starts with understanding how water behaves on the site today, and how it will behave once the site has roads, rooftops, parking lots, and other impervious areas that increase runoff.

Start with the site, not the standard detail

Every site has a drainage story. Engineers evaluate the topography, downstream connections, soil behavior, and how stormwater enters and leaves the property. From there, the design team can determine the right mix of solutions, which often includes detention, conveyance, and grading.

In Texas and Oklahoma, intense rainfall events can produce high peak flows quickly. In New Mexico, flash flooding can occur when rainfall hits dry terrain, and runoff accelerates. In Colorado, snowmelt can sustain runoff over longer periods and test drainage capacity differently than a short storm does. These differences affect how drainage design standards are applied and how systems are sized.

What “stormwater safety” actually looks like

Most stormwater management systems combine a few key elements:

• Site grading that directs water away from structures and toward designed flow paths
• Storm sewer networks or open channels that convey runoff without overtopping
• Detention ponds or regional basins that reduce peak flow and protect downstream systems
• Outfalls and energy dissipation that prevent erosion where water discharges

The job is to manage runoff without creating problems for adjacent properties, streets, or downstream channels. That is why coordination matters. Flood control design is strongest when it is aligned with roadway design, utility planning, and lot grading, not treated as a separate step.

Compliance is part of safety

Stormwater runoff safety also means meeting local and state requirements. In Texas, oversight often involves the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) along with local municipalities. Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Colorado also rely on state environmental agencies and local authorities, and requirements can vary by jurisdiction.

Early coordination with agencies and reviewers helps avoid redesigns and delays. It also helps ensure the final system is buildable and maintainable, which is where many projects get stuck if stormwater is not addressed early.

If you want to explore how we support land development and infrastructure planning, start at the Services page. If you have a site and want to talk through drainage concepts, permitting constraints, or flood control options, use the Contact page.

FAQs

What is the difference between a detention pond and a retention pond?

A detention pond temporarily stores stormwater during and immediately after a rainfall event, then releases it slowly to reduce peak flow downstream. A retention pond, on the other hand, permanently holds water and provides both flood control and water quality benefits. Retention ponds are often used where space allows and may also serve aesthetic or recreational purposes. The choice between detention and retention depends on site constraints, regulatory requirements, and long-term maintenance considerations.

Who enforces stormwater standards in Texas?

Stormwater standards in Texas are primarily enforced by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), along with cities, counties, and local drainage authorities. Municipalities often adopt their own drainage criteria that supplement state requirements. In Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Colorado, similar oversight is provided by state environmental agencies and local jurisdictions. Coordination with these agencies early in the design process helps avoid delays and redesigns later.