LLC · Houston, Texas

Houston civil engineering

Drainage & detention
design in Houston.

Coordinate site grading, stormwater collection, and detention with the way your property will be developed. MacDonald Engineering LLC provides drainage design for Houston-area commercial developments and custom residences.

HomeServicesDrainage & detention design in Houston

Start with how water moves through the site

Drainage design begins with the property's existing conditions and the proposed improvements. Available survey information, site elevations, drainage areas, existing infrastructure, and potential discharge locations help establish the questions the design must address.

We evaluate drainage as part of the overall site plan. Building locations, paving, driveways, and utility layouts influence the available drainage routes and the space available for stormwater improvements.

Grading, storm drainage, and detention

Our services can include grading and paving plans, storm sewer layouts, drainage calculations, drainage studies, and detention analysis and design. The work is tailored to the site and the services identified in the project proposal.

Detention requirements and discharge criteria must be evaluated for the reviewing jurisdiction and the specific development. We do not assume that one detention rate or design approach applies to every Houston-area property.

Drainage improvements for existing properties

An existing property may need help with localized ponding, paving changes, drainage improvements, or a proposed addition. We begin by reviewing the existing drainage system and how the proposed work could change drainage patterns.

Useful records include a current topographic survey, prior drainage and detention plans, photographs of observed problems, and the proposed site improvements. Existing infrastructure and discharge conditions should be identified before selecting an improvement approach.

Site-specific review and coordination

Houston, Harris County, and surrounding jurisdictions have their own review processes and criteria. A project's location, proposed use, existing development, and drainage connections help determine the civil review path.

We coordinate the drainage design with other site improvements and the project team. Agency submittals, review responses, and construction-phase assistance are provided when included in the agreed scope. The proposal identifies those responsibilities and any additional information needed.

Relevant experience

See the work.

Century Plaza

Industrial site layout showing the building, circulation, and a proposed detention pond.

Let’s talk about your site.

A new development, an existing property, or a question about what comes next.

Discuss your project