SewerTycoon:
Interactive Stormwater Planning

Vibe with different stormwater approaches and see how they perform, backed by research-grade simulation tools.

EXPLORE

In partnership with the Friends of the Rouge and Sierra Club- Michigan Chapter, SewerTycoon was developed through research at the Digital Water Lab at the University of Michigan.  The app lets users simulate various changes to a city's water infrastructure, such as integrating green solutions like rain gardens, permeable pavement, and retention basins. Powered by the latest generation of models, users can simply paint the landscape with solutions, but rest assured that the results are built on the latest generation of calibrated stormwater models.

By testing different strategies, users can visualize their effects on flooding, water quality, and overall system efficiency—just like managing a real-life water network. This tool is especially relevant for cities like Detroit, where balancing traditional sewer systems with modern stormwater solutions is key. Whether you're a student, engineer, city planner, or environmentally curious citizen, SewerTycoon empowers you to experiment, learn, and contribute to better water management solutions.

Learn More

Do you have a question or comment not in our FAQs?  Submit a question using the contact form below.

Frequently Asked Questions

    • 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 published studies. We used the lower bound estimates for each development type and adjusted for inflation. This is only intended to be a rough estimate. Please consult with local cost estimates for refined cost.

  • Please check out these resources:

  • 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, and Sierra Club Southeast Michigan Group.

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

SewerTycoon was made possible by the generosity and hard work of our funders and partners.