The scope of this project required development of a comprehensive drainage plan for the City of Houston. To accomplish this, Klotz Associates re-evaluated existing drainage design criteria and all storm sewer systems with the city. The firm developed information in a format compatible with an Arc / Info Geographic Information System (GIS) for all watersheds in the area. Klotz Associates provided digital drawings of all watersheds and input details of available storm sewer systems into the GIS. The firm also developed updated drainage area information and development conditions within each watershed.

Klotz Associates used a mail survey to city residents to determine flood-prone areas. The firm obtained repetitive flood loss data from the city and from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). All data was merged into the GIS. Subsequently, each drainage system was evaluated within the GIS environment and a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) was developed for each watershed. The City used this system to evaluate individual systems quickly and effectively.