The Hydrologic Studies and Floodplain Management Unit (HSFMU) supports the Nonpoint Source (NPS) Program by providing hydrologic analysis to help understand the impacts of storm water runoff on stream dynamics. Hydrologic analyses that the HSFMU has provided to NPS projects include:

• Watershed delineation, soil, and land cover information: Obtaining watershed and subbasin boundaries, soil, and land cover information is essential early in a watershed planning project. HSFMU determines boundaries by reviewing USGS quadrangle maps. Watershed boundaries and land cover information for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are available from Michigan's Geographic Data Library.
• Watershed Studies: Hydrologic modeling can be used to determine the impact of land uses changes and BMPs on storm flows. This information may be useful for long-range planning efforts, community storm water ordinances, and BMP selection, design, and evaluation.

Reports and Fact Sheets

• Stream Stability Assessment Guidelines for NPS Grant Applicants
• Small Storm Hydrology
• Application of the Richards-Baker Flashiness Index to Gaged Michigan Rivers and Streams, revised 2012 (5 MB)
• Quality Assurance Project Plan Guidance for Hydrologic Monitoring Studies
• Stream Stability and Channel Forming Flows
• Hydrologic Impacts Due to Development: The Need for Adequate Runoff Detention and Stream Protection

Presentations

• Hydrology and Stream Stability (2 MB), presented October 24, 2000: an overview of hydrology and stream stability, with some examples from specific projects
• Hydrologic Analysis for Nonpoint Source Grants (4 MB), presented June 12, 2001 at the Nonpoint Source Program Grantee Workshop: an overview of the hydrologic analysis requirements for 319 or Clean Michigan Initiative (CMI) Nonpoint Source grants
• Examples of Hydrologic Analysis for Nonpoint Source Grants (4 MB), presented December 14, 2001 at the Michigan Association of Conservation District conference
• Macatawa Hydrology (3 MB), presented April 2, 2002 to the Macatawa Watershed committee: an overview of general hydrology as it relates to nonpoint source projects
• Hydrologic Cues (5 MB), presented June 23, 2002 at the Nonpoint Source Program Grantee Workshop: a presentation on the significance of stream and watershed observations
• Hydrologic Analysis for NPS 319 and CMI Grants (6 MB), presented September 9, 2004 at the Nonpoint Source Program Grantee Workshop

EGLE links

• Introduction to Hydrology
• Hydrology Glossary
• Guidebooks - Storm Water Management, Floodplain Management for Local Officials