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Stormwater Drainage Cost Calculator

Stormwater drainage protects sites from flooding, foundation damage, and erosion. Standard system components: french drains/channels for surface and subsurface water, catch basins to capture sheet flow, and outlet piping to a disposal point. EPA Phase II MS4 permits add cost on sites disturbing 1+ acre. This calculator builds the budget with industry costs and 15% contingency.

$

$45-100/LF

$
$
$

Total stormwater drainage cost

$29,555

Cost / SF site

$1.48

French drain / channel

$11,700

Catch basins

$6,000

Outlet piping

$4,500

Contingency 15%

$3,855

How the math works

Stormwater drainage = french drains, area drains/catch basins, and outlet piping to disposal point. EPA Phase II MS4 permits require post-construction stormwater management for sites disturbing 1+ acre — adds $1-3/SF to budget.

Detention/retention basin pricing varies wildly: $5-15/CY for excavation, $20-60/SF for vault systems. Get geotech and hydrology reports before sizing.

How to Use

  1. Enter site SF and french drain LF.
  2. Enter cost per LF (typical $45-100/LF).
  3. Enter catch basin count and cost.
  4. Enter outlet piping budget and engineering.
  5. Read total cost and per-SF cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is engineering required?

Most jurisdictions require sealed drainage plans for sites over 1/2 acre disturbed. EPA MS4 communities require Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) regardless.

Detention vs retention?

Detention temporarily stores then releases at controlled rate; retention permanently retains and infiltrates. Detention basins $5-15/CY; underground vault systems $20-60/SF.

Maintenance budget?

Catch basin clean-out $200-400/basin/yr; french drain clean $1-2/LF/2-3 years. Add to operating budget.

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