• First, use the link above to create an account!

• Then, create a development plan (dropdown is at the top of the after you log in)

• Next, try adding some green infrastructure by either clicking on the map, or by using the brush tool (top left on the map).

• In the Add Panel in the bottom left corner, drag the sliders around and hit add to plan.

• Then, all you do is hit run! The simulation will take about 45 minutes, and you'll receive an email when it's done.

• On the right side of the site, there will be updated global metrics so you can see how your plan did!

• After you hit run, the site will load for a moment and you should see a progress bar near the top of the page. The results will be available when the model finishes. In the meantime, feel free to create a new plan and try something different!

• If the progress bar has finished but results still aren’t visible, try refreshing the page.

 A scenario takes about 45 minutes to run. You’ll receive an email when it’s finished.

1. Scenario Testing: SewerTycoon allows users to simulate different stormwater management strategies, providing insights into how these changes can affect urban water systems

2. Educational Tool: It serves as a valuable resource for students, engineers, city planners, and environmentally conscious citizens to understand the complexities of stormwater management and the benefits of integrating green infrastructure.

3. Community Engagement: By visualizing the effects of various stormwater interventions, SewerTycoon can facilitate discussions among stakeholders, aiding in collaborative decision-making processes.

4. Policy Development: The tool can assist policymakers in evaluating the potential outcomes of proposed stormwater regulations or infrastructure projects before implementation.

By leveraging SewerTycoon, communities can make informed decisions to enhance their stormwater management practices, ultimately contributing to more resilient and sustainable urban environments.

The numbers for the estimated cost come from this 2015. We used the lower bound estimates for each development type and adjusted for inflation. This is only intended to be a rough estimate.

Please check out these resources:

• Definitions

• SWMM User Manual

• SWMM Reference Manuals to see how the model calculates them.

We are currently exploring expanding SewerTycoon’s reach, and if you are interested in adding your community please use the contact button link at the bottom of this page to let us know!

Researchers at the Digital Water Lab at the University of Michigan have led the development of SewerTycoon in partnership with Friends of the Rouge, Sierra Club Southeast Michigan Group, Great Lakes Water Authority, and SEMCOG.

SewerTycoon has been made possible through grants from the Fred & Barbara Erb Family Foundation and the National Science Foundation.

1. Expansion Beyond Detroit: While SewerTycoon currently focuses on Detroit, there are plans to adapt the platform for other communities. This expansion will allow users in different regions to simulate and manage their local stormwater systems, fostering broader applicability and impact.

2. Integration with Real-Time Sensor Data: The Digital Water Lab is working on incorporating real-time data from sensors monitoring water depth, flow, and quality into SewerTycoon. This integration aims to provide users with up-to-date information, enhancing the accuracy and responsiveness of the simulations. 

3. Enhanced User Interface and Accessibility: Efforts are underway to improve the user interface of SewerTycoon, making it more intuitive and accessible for a diverse range of users, including students, engineers, city planners, and environmentally conscious citizens.