Getting Started with EPA SWMM: Installation and First Launch

EPA SWMM (Storm Water Management Model) is the industry-standard software for simulating stormwater runoff, combined sewer systems, and drainage networks. Developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, SWMM is free, powerful, and widely used by engineers, municipalities, and researchers worldwide.

This tutorial will guide you through downloading, installing, and launching SWMM 5.2 for the first time.

What Is EPA SWMM?

EPA SWMM is a dynamic rainfall-runoff simulation model that can:

• Simulate surface runoff from urban and suburban watersheds
• Route stormwater through pipe networks, channels, and storage facilities
• Model water quality including pollutant buildup and washoff
• Analyze combined sewer overflows and sanitary sewer systems
• Evaluate green infrastructure performance

System Requirements

Before installing SWMM, ensure your computer meets these minimum requirements:

Minimum Requirements

Recommended Specifications

For complex models with many subcatchments and conduits:

Downloading EPA SWMM 5.2

SWMM is available free of charge from the EPA website.

Step 1: Visit the EPA SWMM Website

Navigate to the official EPA SWMM page: https://www.epa.gov/water-research/storm-water-management-model-swmm

Step 2: Download the Installer

1. Scroll to the Downloads section
2. Click on SWMM 5.2 (the current stable release)
3. Download the Windows installer (.exe file)
4. The file is approximately 25-30 MB

Step 3: Verify the Download

The EPA provides checksums for verifying download integrity. Compare the downloaded file’s checksum with the published value to ensure a complete, uncorrupted download.

Installing SWMM

The installation process is straightforward:

Step 1: Run the Installer

1. Locate the downloaded file (typically epaswmm5_2_setup.exe)
2. Right-click and select Run as administrator
3. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes

Step 2: Accept the License Agreement

1. Read the EPA Public Domain license
2. SWMM is in the public domain, meaning you can use, modify, and distribute it freely
3. Click I Agree to proceed

Step 3: Choose Installation Location

1. The default location is C:\Program Files (x86)\EPA SWMM 5.2
2. You can change this if needed, but the default is recommended
3. Click Next to continue

Step 4: Select Components

The installer includes:

• SWMM 5.2 Program Files - Required core application
• Help Documentation - Comprehensive user manual (recommended)
• Example Projects - Sample models for learning (recommended)

Keep all components selected for the complete experience.

Step 5: Complete Installation

1. Click Install to begin the installation
2. Wait for the files to copy (usually 1-2 minutes)
3. Click Finish when complete

Launching SWMM for the First Time

Starting the Application

You can launch SWMM in several ways:

1. Start Menu: Navigate to Start > EPA SWMM 5.2 > EPA SWMM 5.2
2. Desktop Shortcut: Double-click the SWMM icon (if created during install)
3. File Association: Double-click any .inp file

The Welcome Screen

When SWMM opens, you will see:

• A blank Map View in the center
• Toolbars at the top
• Browser Panel on the left (for managing objects)
• Property Editor on the right (for editing object properties)
• Status Bar at the bottom

Initial Configuration

Before creating your first model, consider these initial settings:

Setting Default Directories

1. Go to File > Preferences
2. Set your preferred directories for:
   • Project Files: Where your models will be saved
   • Temporary Files: For simulation scratch data

Adjusting Display Settings

1. Go to View > Options
2. Configure:
   • Map Units: Choose between US or SI units
   • Auto-Length: Automatically calculate conduit lengths from map coordinates
   • Object Labels: Show/hide object identification labels

Unit System Selection

SWMM supports both US customary and SI (metric) units:

Exploring the Example Projects

SWMM includes several example projects that demonstrate different modeling scenarios:

Opening an Example

1. Go to File > Open
2. Navigate to the SWMM installation folder
3. Open the Examples subfolder
4. Select a sample project (e.g., Example1.inp)

Available Examples

These examples are excellent learning resources. Run the simulations and explore the results to understand SWMM capabilities.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

SWMM Will Not Start

• Missing DLL errors: Reinstall SWMM or install Visual C++ Redistributable
• Administrator rights: Try running as administrator
• Antivirus blocking: Add SWMM to your antivirus exceptions

Display Issues

• Blank map view: Check View > Options for display settings
• Text too small: Adjust Windows display scaling settings
• Objects not visible: Use View > Full Extent to zoom to all objects

Performance Issues

• Slow simulation: Reduce reporting timesteps or simplify the model
• Crashes during simulation: Check for model errors before running

Next Steps

Now that SWMM is installed and running, you are ready to:

1. Create your first model: Your First SWMM Model
2. Explore LID controls: LID Controls
3. Learn water quality: Water Quality Modeling

Additional Resources

Official Documentation

• SWMM User Manual: Comprehensive reference (in Help menu)
• SWMM Reference Manual: Technical details on algorithms

Online Resources

• EPA SWMM Support: Official EPA support channels
• SWMM Forums: Community discussions and troubleshooting
• University courses: Many schools offer SWMM training materials

Summary

You have successfully installed EPA SWMM 5.2 and are ready to begin stormwater modeling. Key takeaways:

• SWMM is free, powerful software for drainage system analysis
• Download only from the official EPA website
• Explore the example projects to learn SWMM capabilities
• Configure your preferences before starting your first project

Continue to Your First SWMM Model to start building a stormwater drainage network.