Build Your First EPA SWMM Model
Stop piecing together random YouTube tutorials.
Follow a clear, step-by-step system used in real engineering workflows.
If you’ve ever opened EPA SWMM and thought:
“Where do I even start?”
“What do all these inputs actually mean?”
“Am I doing this right… or just guessing?”
You’re not alone.
Most people trying to learn SWMM end up:
Watching outdated tutorials
Copying steps without understanding them
Getting stuck when something breaks
And worst of all…
👉 They never actually feel confident building a real model on their own.
SWMM isn’t hard because it’s complicated.
It’s hard because:
Nobody teaches it in a structured way
The interface isn’t beginner-friendly
Key concepts (subcatchments, routing, rainfall) are poorly explained
So instead of learning efficiently…
You waste hours clicking around…
Second-guessing everything…
And hoping your results are even correct.
That’s exactly why we created EPA SWMM Essentials
This isn’t theory-heavy fluff.
It’s a step-by-step, practical walkthrough where you:
✅ Build a complete model from scratch
✅ Understand what every input actually does
✅ Learn the workflow engineers actually use
✅ Gain confidence to start your own projects
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Set up a SWMM project the right way
Define subcatchments and drainage areas correctly
Input and apply rainfall data properly
Build a functioning conveyance system
Run simulations and interpret results
Avoid the most common beginner mistakes
Course Breakdown
Lesson 1 — SWMM Fundamentals & Interface
How SWMM actually works (no fluff)
Key menus, tools, and navigation
How models are structured behind the scenes
Lesson 2 — Building Your First Subcatchment
What a subcatchment really represents
How to define area, slope, and imperviousness
Common mistakes beginners make (and how to avoid them)
Lesson 3 — Rainfall Data & Hydrology
How rainfall inputs actually drive your model
Setting up time series data correctly
Understanding runoff generation
Lesson 4 — Conveyance System (Nodes & Links)
Junctions, pipes, and system layout
How water actually moves through your model
Structuring a clean, logical network
Lesson 5 — Running Simulations & Results
Running your model without errors
Reading graphs and outputs
Knowing if your model actually makes sense
Why This Course Is Different
Most SWMM content is either:
Too theoretical
Too shallow
Or completely unstructured
This course is built around one goal:
👉 Get you from zero → building a working model as fast as possible
No wasted time.
No unnecessary complexity.
Just what you actually need.
Who This Is For
This is perfect if you are:
A civil/environmental engineering student
A junior engineer learning stormwater modeling
Someone new to EPA SWMM
Tired of guessing your way through models
Who This Is NOT For
Advanced SWMM users
People looking for deep hydraulic theory
Experts who already build complex models
This is about getting you started the right way.
Outcome Section
After this course, you won’t just “kind of understand” SWMM.
You’ll be able to:
👉 Open the software and confidently build a model from scratch
👉 Understand what your inputs mean
👉 Actually trust your results
Pricing Section
Get Instant Access — $97
Full mini-course (all lessons)
Step-by-step modeling walkthrough
Lifetime access
Start Today
☆
Start Today ☆
Explore Our Memberships
Learn how to confidently build, run, and understand EPA SWMM models from the ground up. This course walks you step-by-step through real model setup—from rainfall inputs to full system simulation—so you can stop guessing and start modeling with clarity.
About Clear Creek Solutions
Clear Creek Solutions provides software and consulting services for stormwater management.
The three co-founders bring over 50 years of combined experience to designing, developing, and applying state-of-the-art computational tools for the analysis and design of water resources and stormwater solutions.
Clear Creek Solutions provides stormwater software development and support services to the state and local governmental agencies in Washington, Oregon, and California.
In addition, Clear Creek Solutions assists local jurisdictions and engineering consulting firms with their hydrologic modeling expertise.
FAQ’s
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This course is a step-by-step introduction to EPA SWMM designed to take you from zero to building and running your own stormwater models.
You’ll learn how to:
Set up a complete SWMM model from scratch
Input rainfall and define drainage areas
Build pipe networks and assign properties
Run simulations and interpret results
By the end, you won’t just understand SWMM—you’ll be able to use it confidently.
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No. This course was built specifically for beginners.
Everything is explained clearly and demonstrated step-by-step, so you can follow along even if you’ve never opened SWMM before.
If you can use basic software and are willing to learn, you’ll be able to complete this course.
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In the unlikely event you're not satisfied with what the EPA Essentials Course teaches you, just send a quick email to BrascherJR@clearcreeksolutions.com and my team will work with you to help you get the most possible out of the instructional course.
Chances are though, you'll love what you'll learn inside the course.