What type of analysis helps to identify the stormwater management needs of a community?

The identification of stormwater management needs within a community requires a comprehensive understanding of how water flows in natural and developed landscapes, which is effectively achieved through a watershed analysis. This type of analysis examines the entire watershed area, including land use, soil types, vegetation, and existing infrastructure that can affect water movement and quality.

By evaluating these factors, stakeholders can pinpoint areas prone to flooding, erosion, and pollution, thereby determining the necessary measures to improve stormwater management. This analysis is crucial for planning effective systems to manage runoff, reduce pollution, and protect water resources.

Economic, demographic, and site impact analyses, while valuable in their own contexts, do not provide the holistic view of water dynamics and community needs that watershed analyses do. Economic analysis focuses on cost factors, demographic analysis looks at population data, and site impact analysis assesses individual projects rather than the broader watershed context necessary for effective stormwater management planning.