About HydroCAD
HydroCAD is a hydrology and hydraulics software from HydroCAD Software Solutions that models stormwater runoff and designs stormwater management systems. It includes features such as watershed modeling, hydraulic analysis, and design tools, so users can effectively manage stormwater challenges. HydroCAD supports various design methods and regulations, making it suitable for a wide range of projects. The software is widely used in the engineering community for its comprehensive capabilities in calculating runoff, designing detention systems, and evaluating floodplain impacts. Key capabilities: watershed modeling hydraulic analysis design tools regulatory compliance reporting features Best for: civil engineers and environmental consultants that need to address stormwater management and design systems efficiently.
HydroCAD is a powerful and widely-used stormwater modeling software that excels in hydrology and hydraulics simulations for site development and drainage design. Designed primarily for civil engineers and stormwater professionals, it provides a comprehensive solution for modeling runoff, detention and retention ponds, infiltration systems, underground chambers, and complex routing networks. One of its biggest strengths lies in its intuitive node-based modeling system, which allows users to visually build and simulate stormwater systems with relative ease. Unlike full CAD programs, HydroCAD runs as a standalone application, making it lightweight, fast, and easy to install without requiring additional software. The software supports multiple hydrologic methods including TR-20, TR-55, SCS Curve Number, and Rational Method, making it highly adaptable to regional and regulatory standards. Its built-in library of rainfall data, chamber systems, and storage components significantly speeds up the design process, especially when working with manufactured products like StormTech or StormTrap. The routing capabilities are robust, enabling users to model systems with multiple outlets, weirs, culverts, and orifices with high accuracy.
Pros & Cons
- +Purpose-built for stormwater engineering—no unnecessary features, fast to learn for civil/environmental engineers.
- +All-in-one tool: handles hydrology, hydraulics, and water quality in a single interface.
- +Visual diagram simplifies flow path logic and node setup—easy to explain to reviewers or stakeholders.
- +Highly compatible with existing CAD workflows and GIS data imports.
- +Lightweight installation and fast performance even on older PCs.
- −UI is functional but dated; lacks modern design elements and may feel “old-school.”
- −Cloud license system may pose issues for users with limited or unreliable internet access.
- −Lacks robust underground pipe network modeling compared to InfoSWMM or Civil 3D SSA.
- −Not designed for real-time modeling or smart stormwater systems (no SCADA integration).
- −May require workarounds or third-party tools for extreme customization or regional compliance requirements.
- −Windows-only platform; no MacOS version or web-based edition currently available.
Features
Key features
- Stormwater Modeling Software
- Specializes in hydrology and hydraulics modeling for stormwater runoff, detention, and conveyance systems.
- Graphical Routing Diagram
- Drag-and-drop interface to model subcatchments, pipes, ponds, and outlets with visual flow paths.
- Integrated Hydrology & Hydraulics
- Supports multiple calculation methods like TR-20, TR-55, Rational, SBUH, and more in one environment.
- CAD & GIS Integration
- Imports watershed and subcatchment geometry directly from AutoCAD® or GIS tools.
- Real-Time Design Feedback
- Generates flow reports, hydrographs, and storage volumes instantly for design iteration and compliance.
Additional features
- Subcatchment and Watershed Modeling
- Supports time-of-concentration, curve number (CN) method, and other standard inputs.
- Pond & Outlet Structure Design
- Models multi-stage outlets, risers, orifices, weirs, culverts, and infiltration features.
- Flow Routing & Pond Coupling
- Simulates complex flow routing scenarios including backwater, tailwater, and detention pond series.
- Pollutant Loading & Water Quality
- Estimates pollutant loads (TSS, nitrogen, phosphorus) and evaluates treatment performance.
- Dam Breach & Emergency Spillway Modeling
- Supports breach flow modeling for high-hazard dam scenarios or flood control design.
- Multi-Storm Event Analysis
- Compare design performance under multiple storm intensities and durations (2-, 10-, 25-, 100-year events).
- Hydraulic Structures & Conduits
- Analyze pipes, channels, culverts, or pumps with tailwater and surcharge conditions.
Pricing
Countries & Languages
Interface languages
Billing currencies
No reviews yet
Be the first to drop a review
Alternatives to HydroCAD
VrLiDAR
VrLiDAR is a LiDAR processing software from Cardinal Systems [designed for analysis and visualization of…
Visiativ
Visiativ is a business software platform from Visiativ that supports digital change. It provides project…
Virto.CAD
Virto.CAD is a CAD software from VIRTO designed for architectural and engineering professionals. It provides…
About HydroCAD
HydroCAD is a hydrology and hydraulics software from HydroCAD Software Solutions that models stormwater runoff and designs stormwater management systems. It includes features such as watershed modeling, hydraulic analysis, and design tools, so users can effectively manage stormwater challenges. HydroCAD supports various design methods and regulations, making it suitable for a wide range of projects. The software is widely used in the engineering community for its comprehensive capabilities in calculating runoff, designing detention systems, and evaluating floodplain impacts. Key capabilities: watershed modeling hydraulic analysis design tools regulatory compliance reporting features Best for: civil engineers and environmental consultants that need to address stormwater management and design systems efficiently.
HydroCAD Details
HydroCAD's In-App Market Place
Does HydroCAD have an in-app market place?
Yes
How many Mini-Apps in the marketplace?
1
Mini Apps
N/A
Pricing Options
Accepted Payment Currencies
USD ($), EUR (€), GBP (£), CAD (C$), AUD (A$), JPY (¥), CHF (CHF), NZD (NZ$), MXN (Mex$)
Pros & Cons
- Purpose-built for stormwater engineering—no unnecessary features, fast to learn for civil/environmental engineers.
- All-in-one tool: handles hydrology, hydraulics, and water quality in a single interface.
- Visual diagram simplifies flow path logic and node setup—easy to explain to reviewers or stakeholders.
- Highly compatible with existing CAD workflows and GIS data imports.
- Lightweight installation and fast performance even on older PCs.
- UI is functional but dated; lacks modern design elements and may feel “old-school.”
- Cloud license system may pose issues for users with limited or unreliable internet access.
- Lacks robust underground pipe network modeling compared to InfoSWMM or Civil 3D SSA.
- Not designed for real-time modeling or smart stormwater systems (no SCADA integration).
- May require workarounds or third-party tools for extreme customization or regional compliance requirements.
- Windows-only platform; no MacOS version or web-based edition currently available.
HydroCAD's Support Options
Email Address
support@hydrocad.netContact
1-800-927-7246HydroCAD's Alternatives
VrLiDAR
VrLiDAR is a LiDAR processing software from Cardinal Systems [designed for analysis and visualization of…
Visiativ
Visiativ is a business software platform from Visiativ that supports digital change. It provides project…
Virto.CAD
Virto.CAD is a CAD software from VIRTO designed for architectural and engineering professionals. It provides…
