From Flood Control to Flow Control

Smart controls and integrated stormwater solutions gain traction as US operators respond to climate risk, funding gaps, and tighter regulation

22 Dec 2025

A gradual shift is under way in the US stormwater sector as infrastructure owners respond to heavier rainfall, ageing drainage networks and stricter environmental rules. Federal agencies and industry groups, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the World Economic Forum, have warned that funding shortfalls and weak performance are leaving many systems unprepared for climate stress.

The response is moving beyond traditional expansion of pipes and basins towards more adaptive management. Cities and private site owners are increasingly using software, sensors and automated controls to manage how water is stored and released within existing assets. Supporters say this approach can be deployed more quickly and at lower cost than large construction projects, while offering clearer evidence of regulatory compliance.

This data-driven model allows operators to adjust systems in real time during storms, rather than reacting after flooding or overflows occur. It reflects a broader effort to treat stormwater networks as active infrastructure that can be optimised, rather than fixed assets designed for past conditions.

Several companies are positioning themselves around this shift. OptiRTC, for example, says it has expanded its smart stormwater platform and strengthened partnerships that link real-time controls with compliance reporting and financing tools. The aim is to help owners meet regulatory standards while managing tighter public budgets.

Change is also evident in physical infrastructure. StormTrap’s acquisition of Faircloth Skimmer highlights a trend towards integrated offerings that combine runoff capture, flow control and water treatment. Providers argue that broader product portfolios can simplify permitting and improve accountability as regulators place more weight on measured outcomes rather than design assumptions.

The incentives are aligned across the sector. Regulators want proof of performance. Developers seek quicker approvals. Communities expect less flooding and cleaner waterways. Smart controls and integrated systems promise progress on all three without years of disruption from major construction.

Obstacles remain, including workforce skills, data management and evolving guidance from regulators. Even so, adoption is gathering pace. As climate risks intensify, stormwater management is shifting from building more infrastructure to operating existing systems more intelligently, marking a notable change for an industry long shaped by incremental, asset-heavy investment.