Updated: November 2025
Stormwater design engineers provide specialized civil engineering services managing rainfall runoff, preventing flooding, protecting water quality, and ensuring regulatory compliance throughout Redlands, San Bernardino, Yucaipa, and the Inland Empire. Our licensed Professional Engineers (PE) with over 20 years of combined experience understand how stormwater engineers design drainage systems, calculate runoff volumes, size conveyance infrastructure, design water quality treatment facilities, and navigate complex California stormwater regulations protecting rivers, streams, and groundwater serving Redlands' 72,000 residents in this historic foothill city. Whether you're considering a stormwater engineering career, developing property requiring stormwater management, or understanding this growing profession, recognizing stormwater engineer roles ensures successful project planning, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection.
Redlands' unique character—combining historic downtown areas, residential neighborhoods, citrus heritage, and foothill topography near the San Bernardino Mountains with median home values around $580,000—creates diverse stormwater challenges requiring specialized engineering expertise. The city's rainfall patterns (averaging 16 inches annually, with most precipitation November through March), varied topography from valley floor to mountain foothills, and sensitive watershed areas demand comprehensive civil engineering services addressing both flood control and water quality protection. Understanding stormwater design engineer responsibilities, required expertise, and career pathways helps students, professionals, and property developers navigate California's increasingly complex stormwater regulatory environment.
What Is a Stormwater Design Engineer and What Do They Do?
**Direct Answer:** A stormwater design engineer is a civil engineer specializing in managing rainfall runoff through drainage system design, flood control infrastructure, water quality treatment facilities, and erosion control systems. In California, stormwater engineers calculate rainfall and runoff using hydrology, design pipes and channels using hydraulics, create stormwater quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) meeting Regional Water Quality Control Board requirements, prepare construction stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs), and ensure compliance with MS4 permits and local drainage ordinances. Licensed PEs stamp stormwater plans for building permits while unlicensed engineers work under PE supervision gaining experience toward licensure.
Stormwater engineering represents a specialized subset of civil engineering requiring expertise beyond general site development knowledge. While all civil engineers learn basic hydrology and hydraulics, stormwater specialists develop deep understanding of:
- Advanced hydrology and rainfall-runoff modeling
- Hydraulic design of complex drainage systems
- Water quality treatment processes and BMP technologies
- California stormwater regulations (Regional Water Quality Control Board orders, MS4 permits, Construction General Permit)
- Low Impact Development (LID) and sustainable drainage approaches
- Erosion and sediment control during construction
- Floodplain management and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements
- Long-term stormwater facility maintenance and performance
California's environmental leadership drives some of the nation's most stringent stormwater regulations. The state's Mediterranean climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, limited water resources, and water quality challenges in many water bodies necessitate sophisticated stormwater management preventing pollution and protecting beneficial uses.
In Redlands specifically, stormwater engineers work on:
- **New development projects** requiring drainage systems and water quality treatment throughout Redlands' growing areas
- **Redevelopment projects** in historic downtown and established neighborhoods meeting current stormwater standards
- **Municipal infrastructure** including street improvements, storm drain systems, and flood control facilities
- **Hillside development** in areas near San Timoteo Canyon and mountain foothills with complex drainage patterns
- **Industrial facilities** requiring specialized stormwater pollution prevention
- **Post-fire watershed protection** in areas affected by recent wildfires (San Bernardino National Forest proximity)
Understanding types of engineering design helps clarify how stormwater engineering fits within broader civil engineering disciplines and coordinates with structural, geotechnical, and environmental engineering specialties.
What Are the Primary Responsibilities of Stormwater Design Engineers?
**Direct Answer:** Stormwater design engineers' primary responsibilities include performing hydrologic calculations determining rainfall and runoff volumes, conducting hydraulic analysis sizing drainage pipes and channels, designing stormwater quality Best Management Practices (bioretention, infiltration, filters), preparing construction stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs), ensuring compliance with Regional Water Quality Control Board requirements, coordinating with municipalities and regulatory agencies, conducting site drainage evaluations, designing flood control and detention facilities, and preparing PE-stamped plans enabling building permits. In California, stormwater engineers must understand complex regulations including Construction General Permit, MS4 permits, and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements affecting project design.
Hydrologic Analysis and Calculations
**Rainfall Analysis:**
- Historical rainfall data analysis for San Bernardino County
- Design storm selection (2-year, 10-year, 25-year, 50-year, 100-year return periods)
- Rainfall intensity calculations using intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) curves
- Temporal rainfall distribution (how rainfall varies during storms)
- Redlands receives approximately 16 inches annual rainfall, with extreme events exceeding 3 inches in 24 hours
**Runoff Calculations:**
- Watershed delineation identifying drainage areas
- Runoff coefficient determination based on land use and surface types
- Time of concentration calculations (how long water takes to reach outlet)
- Peak flow calculations using Rational Method (for small watersheds) or Unit Hydrograph methods (for larger watersheds)
- Runoff volume calculations for detention and water quality design
Redlands' varied topography—from relatively flat valley areas to steep foothill slopes—dramatically affects runoff patterns. Steep slopes generate faster runoff with higher peak flows, while flatter areas allow more infiltration and slower response.
Hydraulic Design and Analysis
**Storm Drain System Design:**
- Pipe sizing ensuring adequate capacity for design storms
- Hydraulic grade line analysis verifying pipes flow freely without surcharging
- Inlet design and spacing providing adequate surface drainage
- Manhole sizing and spacing for maintenance access
- Energy dissipation at outfalls preventing erosion
**Open Channel Design:**
- Channel sizing providing adequate flow capacity
- Bank stabilization preventing erosion
- Channel lining selection (grass, riprap, concrete) based on velocity and flow conditions
- Grade control structures preventing channel degradation
- Environmental considerations (habitat, aesthetics, water quality)
Redlands' historic storm drain systems date to early 1900s in some downtown areas, requiring engineers to understand existing infrastructure capacity and limitations when designing improvements or connecting new development.
**Detention and Retention Basin Design:**
- Volume calculations based on pre-development vs. post-development runoff
- Outlet structure design (orifices, weirs) controlling release rates
- Emergency overflow spillways for extreme events
- Basin grading and geometry
- Maintenance access and long-term operation considerations
**Software Tools:**
- HydroCAD, StormCAD, or SWMM for complex drainage modeling
- Rational Method spreadsheets for simple calculations
- AutoCAD Civil 3D for drainage system layout and design
- GIS tools for watershed analysis and mapping
Water Quality BMP Design
California's focus on stormwater quality protection drives substantial engineering effort:
**Low Impact Development (LID) Approaches:**
- **Bioretention areas (rain gardens):** Landscaped depressions collecting and infiltrating runoff while providing water quality treatment
- **Permeable pavements:** Allowing runoff to infiltrate through pavement surface into underlying storage/infiltration layers
- **Vegetated swales:** Grass-lined channels providing conveyance and treatment
- **Tree well filters:** Street trees with engineered soil media treating runoff
- **Green roofs:** Vegetated roof systems reducing runoff and providing treatment
**Proprietary Treatment Devices:**
- Hydrodynamic separators using vortex action to separate pollutants
- Media filters passing runoff through sand or other treatment media
- Vault-based systems with settling and filtration chambers
- Maintenance requirements and pollutant removal performance
**Design Process:**
- Sizing BMPs based on runoff volume from design storms
- Ensuring adequate pollutant removal meeting regulatory requirements
- Designing underdrains, overflows, and hydraulic controls
- Specifying soil media, vegetation, and materials
- Detailing construction specifications
- Preparing maintenance plans for long-term performance
Redlands' soil conditions—ranging from sandy loams with good infiltration to heavy clays with poor infiltration—significantly affect BMP selection and design. Our grading and drainage engineering experience integrates stormwater quality features with overall site development.
Regulatory Compliance and Permitting
**Construction General Permit (CGP) Compliance:**
- Preparing Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs)
- Designing construction BMPs (silt fences, fiber rolls, stabilized entrances, inlet protection)
- Specifying erosion control measures (hydroseeding, erosion control blankets, tackifiers)
- Developing monitoring and inspection programs
- Training requirements for contractors
**Post-Construction Requirements:**
- Designing treatment BMPs meeting pollutant removal requirements
- Volume-based or flow-based treatment design
- LID feasibility assessment and implementation
- Long-term maintenance provisions and responsible parties
- Operation and maintenance manuals
**MS4 Permit Compliance:**
- Understanding local jurisdiction requirements (City of Redlands MS4 permit)
- Designing projects meeting MS4 permit conditions
- Demonstrating compliance through calculations and documentation
- Coordinating with city public works departments
Site Drainage Evaluation and Problem-Solving
**Existing Condition Assessment:**
- Site visits documenting existing drainage
- Observing evidence of flooding, erosion, or poor drainage
- Evaluating existing infrastructure condition and capacity
- Identifying constraints affecting drainage design
- Reviewing historical drainage problems from city records or neighbors
**Problem Diagnosis:**
- Inadequate storm drain capacity
- Poor site grading directing water incorrectly
- Blocked or deteriorated drainage infrastructure
- Increased runoff from upstream development
- Natural drainage pattern disruptions
**Solution Development:**
- Alternative evaluation (multiple approaches compared)
- Hydraulic modeling verifying proposed improvements
- Construction cost estimating
- Phasing and sequencing for minimal disruption
What Education and Career Path Do Stormwater Engineers Follow?
**Direct Answer:** Stormwater engineers typically earn bachelor's degrees in civil engineering with coursework in hydrology, hydraulics, water resources, and environmental engineering. Career progression moves from entry-level engineer performing calculations under supervision, to project engineer independently managing stormwater aspects, to senior engineer or specialist with deep regulatory and technical expertise, to principal engineer managing teams and client relationships. California Professional Engineer licensure proves essential for independent practice and career advancement. Specialized certifications including Qualified SWPPP Developer/Practitioner (QSD/QSP) and Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) demonstrate stormwater expertise enhancing career opportunities and earning potential.
Educational Foundation
**Bachelor's Degree Requirements:**
- Core civil engineering (statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, surveying)
- Fluid mechanics and hydraulics (open channel flow, pipe flow, energy principles)
- Hydrology (rainfall-runoff processes, watershed analysis, statistical methods)
- Water resources engineering (drainage systems, flood control, water supply)
- Environmental engineering (water quality, treatment processes, regulations)
Universities with strong water resources programs include:
- UC Davis (renowned water resources engineering program)
- Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Pomona
- UCLA and UC Berkeley
- Cal State Fullerton, Long Beach, Sacramento
**Advanced Education (Optional):**
- MS in Water Resources Engineering
- MS in Environmental Engineering with water focus
- Specialized research in stormwater quality, urban hydrology, sustainable drainage
- Thesis or project work on emerging stormwater topics
While not required for most stormwater positions, advanced degrees accelerate career progression for technical specialists, municipal engineers, or academics.
Professional Development and Certifications
**California PE License:**
- Pass FE exam (typically during undergraduate studies)
- Gain four years of progressive engineering experience
- Pass PE exam (Civil PE covering water resources)
- Maintain license through professional practice
Stormwater-Specific Certifications:
**QSD/QSP (Qualified SWPPP Developer/Practitioner):**
- QSD training and exam (40 hours) for SWPPP preparation
- QSP training and exam (24 hours) for construction site inspection
- Required for individuals preparing SWPPPs or conducting inspections
- Must renew every two years with continuing education
- Highly valued by employers working on construction projects
**CPESC (Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control):**
- Requires experience and comprehensive exam
- Demonstrates specialized knowledge beyond general civil engineering
- Valued for construction stormwater management roles
**CPSWQ (Certified Professional in Storm Water Quality):**
- Requires substantial experience and comprehensive exam
- Demonstrates expertise in post-construction stormwater management
- Valuable for municipal positions and specialized consulting
Career Progression and Opportunities
**Entry-Level Stormwater Engineer (0-3 years):**
- Performing hydrology and hydraulic calculations under supervision
- Preparing drainage plans and details
- Assisting with SWPPP preparation
- Conducting site inspections during construction
- Learning software tools (HydroCAD, StormCAD, Civil 3D)
- Studying for FE and PE exams
- Salary range Inland Empire: $65,000-$80,000 (2025)
**Stormwater Engineer / Project Engineer (3-7 years):**
- Independently designing drainage systems for projects
- Preparing complete SWPPPs
- Managing stormwater quality aspects of projects
- Coordinating with regulatory agencies
- Reviewing work of junior engineers
- Obtaining QSD/QSP certifications
- Working toward PE licensure
- Salary range: $80,000-$105,000
**Senior Stormwater Engineer (7-12 years):**
- Managing complex watershed and drainage studies
- Developing drainage master plans for municipalities
- Serving as project manager for multi-disciplinary teams
- Mentoring junior engineers
- Staying current with regulatory changes
- Client relationship development
- Typically PE-licensed
- Salary range: $105,000-$140,000
**Principal Engineer / Stormwater Specialist (12+ years):**
- Technical expert on complex regulatory and design issues
- Business development and client management
- Staff management and firm leadership
- Industry involvement (committees, task forces, regulatory comment)
- May have firm ownership stake
- Salary range: $140,000-$190,000+
Employment Sectors
**Private Consulting Firms:**
- Project variety across clients and project types
- Exposure to diverse challenges and solutions
- Career advancement through technical and management tracks
- Competitive compensation and project-based work
Our firm serves Redlands and the Inland Empire providing comprehensive civil engineering including stormwater design for residential, commercial, and municipal clients.
**Municipal Government:**
- **Development review:** Reviewing private development drainage plans
- **Capital improvements:** Designing municipal drainage and flood control projects
- **MS4 permit compliance:** Managing citywide stormwater programs
- **Maintenance:** Overseeing storm drain system operations
Municipal positions offer stable employment, good benefits, pension plans, and work-life balance. Salaries typically $80,000-$135,000 depending on experience and agency.
**Flood Control Districts:**
- Large-scale watershed planning and management
- Regional detention basins and flood control channels
- Coordinating multi-jurisdictional drainage issues
- Regulatory roles reviewing local projects
San Bernardino County Flood Control District employs stormwater engineers throughout the Inland Empire including Redlands area.
**Environmental Consulting:**
- SWPPP preparation and construction monitoring
- Water quality monitoring and assessment
- Regulatory permitting and agency coordination
- Environmental impact assessment for projects
**Land Development Companies:**
- Managing drainage and stormwater for company projects
- Coordinating with consultants and municipalities
- Value engineering optimizing stormwater approaches
- Construction oversight ensuring proper implementation
What Skills and Expertise Do Successful Stormwater Engineers Need?
**Direct Answer:** Successful stormwater engineers combine strong technical skills (hydrology and hydraulics, BMP design, software proficiency), comprehensive regulatory knowledge (Regional Water Quality Control Board orders, Construction General Permit, MS4 permits), practical field experience (site assessment, construction observation, problem-solving), excellent communication abilities (explaining regulations to clients, coordinating with agencies), attention to detail (ensuring regulatory compliance, avoiding calculation errors), and commitment to continuing education (staying current with evolving regulations and technologies). In Redlands and California, understanding local soil conditions, watershed characteristics, and municipal requirements distinguishes exceptional stormwater engineers from adequate practitioners.
Technical Skills
**Hydrology Expertise:**
- Applying appropriate hydrologic methods for different situations
- Understanding method limitations and assumptions
- Using professional judgment for unusual conditions
- Interpreting historical rainfall data
- Statistical analysis for frequency-based design
**Hydraulics Proficiency:**
- Open channel flow analysis (Manning's equation, energy principles)
- Pipe flow hydraulics (pressure flow, partially full flow)
- Hydraulic structures (weirs, orifices, energy dissipation)
- Pump station design (when gravity drainage is impossible)
**BMP Design Knowledge:**
- Understanding pollutant removal mechanisms
- Sizing BMPs using appropriate methodologies
- Selecting appropriate BMPs for site conditions
- Understanding maintenance requirements affecting long-term performance
- Cost-effectiveness analysis comparing alternatives
**Software Proficiency:**
- Drainage modeling software (HydroCAD, StormCAD, SWMM)
- CAD design tools (AutoCAD Civil 3D)
- GIS for watershed analysis
- Spreadsheet calculations for routine analysis
Regulatory Knowledge
**California Stormwater Regulations:**
- **Construction General Permit:** Requirements for projects disturbing one acre or more
- **MS4 permits:** Municipal stormwater program requirements affecting all development
- **Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements:** Watershed-specific pollutant limits
- **Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act:** State water quality law foundation
- **Regional Water Board orders:** San Bernardino region-specific requirements
**Local Requirements:**
- City of Redlands drainage standards and procedures
- San Bernardino County hydrology manual and design standards
- Plan check submittal requirements
- Typical review comments and agency preferences
Experienced local engineers navigate permits efficiently, saving clients time and money compared to engineers unfamiliar with jurisdictional nuances.
Practical Field Skills
**Site Assessment:**
- Observing drainage patterns and watershed boundaries
- Identifying drainage problems and their causes
- Recognizing soil conditions affecting infiltration
- Documenting existing infrastructure
**Construction Knowledge:**
- Practical construction methods and sequencing
- Cost implications of design decisions
- Constructability review preventing field problems
- Temporary erosion control during phased construction
**Problem-Solving Ability:**
- Developing creative solutions for constrained sites
- Balancing competing objectives (cost, performance, aesthetics, maintenance)
- Adapting standard approaches to special situations
Communication Skills
**Client Interaction:**
- Describing regulatory requirements and their implications
- Presenting design alternatives with pros/cons
- Discussing cost implications and tradeoffs
- Building trust through competence and responsiveness
**Agency Coordination:**
- Communicating with city public works reviewers
- Coordinating with Regional Water Board staff
- Responding to regulatory agency comments
- Negotiating alternative compliance approaches when appropriate
**Written Communication:**
- Hydrology and hydraulic calculation reports
- SWPPP preparation with clear construction BMPs
- Maintenance manuals for post-construction BMPs
- Technical memos responding to agency questions
Why Choose AAA Engineering Design for Redlands Stormwater Engineering?
**Direct Answer:** AAA Engineering Design provides California PE-licensed stormwater and civil engineering with 20+ years of Redlands and San Bernardino County experience. We've completed 200+ projects requiring comprehensive stormwater design throughout the Inland Empire, providing efficient permit processing through detailed understanding of Regional Water Quality Control Board requirements, local agency drainage standards, and cost-effective BMP design. Our integrated civil engineering services coordinate stormwater management with site grading, utilities, and overall development ensuring cohesive designs meeting regulatory requirements while optimizing project costs and functionality.
Redlands Area Stormwater Expertise
Our stormwater engineering portfolio includes:
- 200+ projects incorporating stormwater design throughout Inland Empire
- Redlands residential, commercial, and municipal projects
- Experience with Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board requirements
- Successful permits through City of Redlands and San Bernardino County
- Projects ranging from simple drainage to complex watershed management
Comprehensive Civil Engineering
We provide integrated civil engineering services:
- Stormwater quality BMP design
- Site grading and drainage design
- Storm drain and conveyance system design
- Construction stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs)
- Erosion control and sediment management
- Coordination with structural engineering needs
Single-source civil engineering eliminates coordination problems between separate consultants, accelerates schedules, and produces better integrated designs.
Cost-Effective Stormwater Solutions
Stormwater compliance requirements can significantly impact project budgets:
- Optimized BMP sizing meeting requirements without over-design
- LID approaches often costing less than traditional systems
- Strategic site planning minimizing impervious areas
- Value engineering identifying cost savings
- Practical designs contractors can efficiently construct
Our experience helps clients meet regulatory requirements cost-effectively without unnecessary expenses.
QSD/QSP Certified Staff
Our engineers maintain current stormwater certifications:
- Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) certification for SWPPP preparation
- Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) for construction site inspections
- Current knowledge of Construction General Permit requirements
- Regular continuing education maintaining certifications
Regional Inland Empire Experience
We serve Redlands and all surrounding communities:
- San Bernardino, Colton, Loma Linda, Highland
- Yucaipa, Calimesa, Beaumont, Banning
- Riverside, Corona, Norco
- Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Upland
- All San Bernardino and Riverside County cities
Contact Us for Redlands Stormwater Engineering
Planning development in Redlands requiring stormwater management? Need drainage system design or construction stormwater compliance? Our licensed Professional Engineers provide comprehensive stormwater engineering services throughout San Bernardino County.
**Serving All of Redlands:**
- Downtown historic district
- Residential neighborhoods throughout the city
- Commercial and retail developments
- Industrial facilities
- Hillside and foothill properties
- And all Redlands areas
**Throughout San Bernardino County:**
- San Bernardino, Colton, Rialto, Fontana
- Highland, Loma Linda, Yucaipa
- Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Chino
- Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley (High Desert)
- And all San Bernardino County communities
**Riverside County:**
- Riverside, Corona, Norco, Eastvale
- Moreno Valley, Perris, Lake Elsinore
- Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee
- And all Riverside County cities
Contact us today for a free consultation on your stormwater engineering needs.
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Need Professional Stormwater Engineering?
Our licensed Professional Engineers provide comprehensive stormwater design, BMP engineering, and SWPPP services for Redlands projects. Get a free consultation.
Get Free Consultation (949) 981-4448
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