From Concept to Reality –
WARD’s Stormwater
Floodplain Simulation
System
Sponsored by the Michigan StormwaterFloodplain Association and Marketed by
WARD’S Natural Science
Developed by: Mark Walton, CFM, Weather Forecast Office Grand Rapids,
Michigan, and David Chapman, Okemos High School Science Teacher, Okemos,
Michigan
What got us started?
“our aha moment”
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I was approached by a high school science teacher to come to his class and
discuss basic hydrology, flood risk, and flood forecasting.
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When I was done…the high school science teacher kindly remarked that
while my presentation was good (death by PowerPoint)…it was not very
interactive…nor did it engage his students very well. He asked a very
probing question… “Doesn’t the Weather Service have some sort of hands
on, interactive hydrologic model that would engage my students and
highlight the importance of what you do?”
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We all know, that in spite of past efforts, flood damages (and risks) are
increasing . If we can reach the students, (future decision makers) maybe
we can reverse this trend of increasing flood damages (and risks). A more
informed public would in turn be more likely to support public policies that
reduce flood risks and take personal actions which would reduce the risks of
flooding to themselves and to others. And thus our journey begins…
Now What?
Concept to Reality…
…as a floodplain manager I have a great idea…but how do I get it out to the
market place??
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Reach out to other interested parties
 Develop proposal
 How am I going to pay for this? Funding sources.
 Developed prototypes
 Take it on the road/provide workshops
 Approach national vendors
 Negotiate a contract
 Marketing/Promos
Original Prototype
WARD’s System
WARD’s Stormwater Floodplain Simulation System
46.5”L X 16.5”W X 9.25”D
WARD’s Stormwater
Floodplain Simulation System
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Simple, easy to use
 Portable
 Hands on
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3 Different “Plug and Play” Headwaters
Can add a levee to modify floodplain
Can change the slope
Can modify rainfall intensity and amount over
headwater
Staff gage used to measure river levels
Comes with setup and curriculum guide with
defined activities and procedures
Curriculum Includes…
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Introduction/Case Study of a flood prone community
Fate of Rain
Modeling Flood Risk Factors
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Experiments
• Wetland Headwater
• Parking Lot Headwater
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Manmade attempts to minimize flooding
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Experiments
• Parking Lot Headwater
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Floodplain with Levee
• Retention Pond Headwater
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Factors affecting flood forecasting
No Adverse Impact
Turn Around Don’t Drown
Creating a Flood Safe Community
Results from Experiments…
There are a variety of ways
this floodplain simulation
system can be used.
One effective use is to run
a series of trials with the
same rainfall, but alter the
characteristics of the
watershed.
Recording the stream
stage every 5 seconds and
graphing the data clearly
demonstrates the impacts
on the river system with
land use changes within
the watershed.
The hydrographs to the left
were produced in this way
using the model.
What’s next?
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Development continues on additional headwater types
that demonstrate such things as:
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Porous Pavement
Stormwater Best Management Practices
• Bioswales
• Rain Gardens
• Green roofs
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Development continues on additional curriculum for such
things as:
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No Adverse Impact (NAI)
Ice Jams Flooding
Sediment transport
Reserve your System today!
The WARD’S Stormwater Floodplain Simulation
System is available for immediate shipment.
 Act now to take advantage of special savings! Place
your order at the ASFPM Conference and SAVE 10%
on the introductory price of $1,195.00.
 For ordering instructions, please use the flyer
provided at the ASFPM Conference…make sure to
use the special coupon code ASFPM10 when
ordering your model.
 10 % of the proceeds from every model sold goes to
the Michigan Stormwater – Floodplain Association
Scholarship fund!
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WARD’S Natural Science
wardsci.com
phone: 800-962-2660
fax: 800-334-6174
Serious About Science Since 1862!