Stormwater Study

The City of Beavercreek has completed its first community-wide stormwater study in more than 40 years, identifying approximately $15 million in needed culvert and stream improvements across the city.

The yearlong project, led by Woolpert, resulted in a 293-page Drainage Master Plan presented to Beavercreek City Council on October 13, 2025. The plan gives city leaders a detailed look at existing stormwater infrastructure and a prioritized list of repairs and replacements to guide long-term investments. The study offers a clear picture of infrastructure needs that have built up over decades, adding that the next challenge is finding sustainable funding for both improvements and ongoing maintenance.

Comprehensive Field Assessment

The project team conducted extensive fieldwork across Beavercreek’s 27.3 square miles, examining culverts 24 inches in diameter and larger and surveying more than 15 miles of open streams.

Crews inspected 120 culverts, a total of 1.75 miles, and rated them on structural and maintenance conditions using a 1-to-3 scale (1 for good, 2 for fair, and 3 for poor). Structurally, 48 culverts were rated good, 59 fair, and 13 poor. For maintenance, 43 were rated good, 46 fair, and 31 poor. Many of the poorly rated structures consist of corrugated metal pipes that are corroding, and the plan recommends replacing them with concrete pipes for improved durability.

Stream assessments covered more than 15 miles divided into 438 segments, also rated on the same scale. Structurally, 141 segments were good, 253 fair, and 44 poor. Maintenance ratings showed 145 good, 230 fair, and 63 poor. Poor structural scores often indicate failing stream banks or adjacent roads, while poor maintenance scores reflect blockages such as fallen trees or sediment buildup. The study also identified 54 stream segments with “threats,” including utility poles, manholes, or nearby structures impacted by erosion.

In total, more than 1,000 data points, including photographs, were collected and will be integrated into the city’s GIS system to create a detailed stormwater infrastructure database. This data will help staff prioritize future repairs and track maintenance progress over time.

Modeling and Cost Estimates

Engineers used the HEC-RAS 2D model to simulate how Beavercreek’s drainage system performs during different storm events. The analysis recommends increasing pipe sizes to meet 25-year design storm standards and comply with Ohio Department of Transportation guidelines.

Key findings include:

• 61 culverts identified for full replacement
• 16 culverts flagged for immediate maintenance
• $10.4 million estimated for culvert replacements (including engineering, surveying, and construction)
• $136,000 for immediate culvert maintenance
• $3.9 million for stream segment improvements
• $500,000 for immediate stream maintenance

Altogether, the total estimated cost to address Beavercreek’s stormwater infrastructure needs is $15 million, with an additional $1.2 million annually recommended for ongoing maintenance.

Funding Challenges

Roughly half of the $15 million, or $7.8 million, could be funded through the city’s street levy since those projects are located within public rights-of-way. However, the majority of the costs have not been included in previous levy funding calculations. The remaining $7.1 million applies to infrastructure within easements or on private property, making those projects ineligible for street levy funds.

Beavercreek’s last stormwater study, completed in 1983, identified $30 million in needed repairs. While today’s costs are lower, city officials attribute that reduction largely to private developers who have built and maintained stormwater infrastructure for new developments over the past decades. Modern development standards now require properties to manage their own stormwater systems, easing some burden on the city.

Currently, Beavercreek has no dedicated stormwater funding source. Maintenance and improvements rely solely on the general fund, which has provided $200,000 per year in 2024 and 2025 and is dependant on available funding and priorities. With millions in identified needs, officials acknowledge that significant funding will be required to make meaningful progress.

Looking Ahead

City leaders emphasized that while the Drainage Master Plan provides critical data and direction, funding remains the biggest hurdle. Officials plan to continue exploring options for sustainable financing to address the city’s long-term stormwater needs. Residents can view the full presentation through the October 13, 2025, City Council meeting recording available on the city’s website and YouTube channel.