Urban stormwater runoff management is a broad series of activities to manage both stormwater and dry-weather runoff. Dry-weather runoff occurs when, for example, excess landscape irrigation water flows to the storm drain. Traditionally, urban stormwater runoff management was viewed as a response to flood control concerns resulting from the effects of urbanization. Concerns about the water quality impacts of urban runoff have led water agencies to look at watershed approaches to control runoff and provide other benefits.

The traditional approach to runoff management views urban runoff as a flood management problem in which water needs to be conveyed as quickly as possible from urban areas to waterways in order to protect public safety and property. Consequently, precipitation-induced runoff in urban areas has been viewed as waste, and not a resource.

Urbanization alters flow pathways, water storage, pollutant levels, rates of evaporation, groundwater recharge, surface runoff, the timing and extent of flooding, the sediment yield of rivers, and the suitability and viability of aquatic habitats.

The traditional approach to managing urban and stormwater runoff has generally been successful at preventing flood damage, but it has several disadvantages. In order to convey water quickly, natural waterways are often straightened and lined with concrete, resulting in a loss of habitat and impacts on natural stream physical and biological processes. Urbanization creates impervious surfaces, meaning stormwater does not infiltrate into subsurface aquifers. These impervious surfaces collect pollutants that are washed off to surface waters when it rains. The impervious surfaces also increase runoff volumes and velocities, resulting in streambank erosion, and potential flooding problems downstream. Because of the emphasis on removing the water quickly, the opportunity to use storm-generated runoff for multiple benefits is reduced.

A watershed approach for urban stormwater runoff management tries to emulate and preserve the natural hydrologic cycle that is altered by urbanization. The watershed approach consists of a series of best management practices (BMPs) designed to reduce the pollutant loading and reduce the volumes and velocities of urban runoff discharged to surface waters. Some BMPs include facilities to capture, treat, and recharge groundwater with urban runoff; public education campaigns to inform the public about stormwater pollution, including the proper use and disposal of household chemicals; and technical assistance and stormwater pollution prevention training.