SWSC
Southwest Stormwater Center
Practical solutions for resilient stormwater management and financing in the arid and semi-arid Southwest.
The Southwest Stormwater Center synthesizes and translates rapidly growing knowledge about best stormwater practices for the arid and semi-arid Southwest into accessible, practical, decision-ready products that address the region’s unique stormwater management challenges. Together, we’re building smarter, more resilient water systems for municipal, Tribal, and rural communities across New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Southern California
ABOUT THE SOUTHWEST STORMWATER CENTER
WHAT WE DO
The Southwest Stormwater Center (SWSC) provides science- and engineering-based solutions for unique stormwater management challenges confronting the arid and semi-arid Southwest. We work to adapt best practices, strengthen water resilience, and deliver practical tools for communities across the region.
SWSC focuses on assembling, harmonizing, synthesizing and communicating knowledge across five priority topic areas:
- Regional design, monitoring and assessment of stormwater control measures, known alternately as BMPs (best management practices)
- Stormwater capture, treatment and use
- Stormwater planning and management strategies for impaired receiving waters
- Funding and financing alternatives for stormwater control solutions
- Outreach and engagement with diverse communities, from urban centers to Tribal councils and rural communities
The Center’s work is led by regional stormwater experts from seven organizations that work collaboratively to generate timely, actionable insights. Technical work is led by DRI, Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Stanford University, and University of California, Los Angeles. Financing work is led by the WaterNow Alliance, while outreach and engagement is led by University of Arizona with Bernalillo County and the Arid LID Coalition of New Mexico.
WHY A REGIONAL CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
The drought-prone U.S. Southwest is under intense pressure to significantly boost stormwater capture and use, address water-quality degradation, minimize alterations to runoff flow patterns, and optimize the performance of stormwater infrastructure.
- Many stormwater control solutions that were developed for other, wetter regions of the U.S. are not applicable in Southwestern states. The region’s infrequent, flashy rainfall patterns can quickly overwhelm stormwater control systems, as well as necessitate extensive operations and maintenance regimes. Not only have Southwestern states struggled to identify appropriate, regionally relevant solutions, but they also have struggled with how to pay for them.
- SWSC is working to help fill these key knowledge gaps and reduce implementation barriers.
WHO WE SERVE
The SWSC collaborates with a broad network of partners, including:
- Municipalities working to improve stormwater systems and meet regulatory requirements.
- Tribal Nations leading innovative approaches to protect water resources and cultural values.
- Rural communities seeking cost-effective, practical solutions.
- Researchers and practitioners advancing knowledge and technology for resilient infrastructure.
CENTER CO-LEADS:
Dr. Alan Heyvaert, Co-Lead
Desert Research Institute (DRI)
Dr. Elizabeth Fassman-Beck, Co-Lead
Southern California Coastal Water Research Project
CENTER COLLABORATORS:
Dr. Guo Yu
Desert Research Institute (DRI)
Kali Bronson
Bernalillo County, New Mexico
Ken Schiff, Deputy Director
Southern California Coastal Water Research Project
Dr. Sanjay Mohanty, Associate Professor
University of California, Los Angeles
Caroline Koch, Policy Director
WaterNow Alliance
Amanda Leinberger,
University of Arizona
SWSC RESOURCES
REGIONALLY APPROPRIATE BMP DESIGN AND MONITORING
We identify and adapt best management practices (BMPs) that perform effectively under the Southwest’s unique climate conditions. The Center provides technical tools including practical design guidance and monitoring approaches to ensure reliable, long-term performance.
STORMWATER CAPTURE AND USE
From rainwater harvesting to infiltration systems, the Center promotes strategies that capture stormwater for beneficial use. These approaches reduce flooding risks, improve local water supply, and create greener, more resilient communities.
PLANNING FRAMEWORKS FOR WATER QUALITY
We support municipalities, Tribes, and rural communities with planning tools that protect receiving waters and integrate stormwater management into broader watershed strategies. Our goal is healthier waterways and sustainable growth.
FUNDING AND FINANCING RESOURCES
Effective stormwater solutions require sustainable funding. The Center curates practitioner-ready resources that connect communities to grants, financing options, and partnerships that align with implementation needs.
FUNDING AND FINANCING RESOURCES
We develop best practices that guide current and future methods for outreach to stakeholder communities including communicating benefits and securing public support for implementation of stormwater infrastructure.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
SWSC partners with numerous municipalities, Tribal governments, rural communities and researchers across the Southwest to develop and share regionally relevant insights about stormwater management practices.
Municipal agencies
Tribal governments
Rural communities
Universities/research institutions
Public Research Institutions (Center Leads)
Academic Partners
Non-profit Municipal Support
CONTACT US
SWSC is one of four regional Centers of Excellence for Stormwater Control Infrastructure Technologies funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Please email us if you have any questions:
Alan Heyvaert (DRI) at Alan.Heyvaert@dri.edu
Elizabeth Fassman-Beck (SCCWRP) at elizabethfb@sccwrp.org