Abstract: In a water storage system with water conduits, water pumps, drain valves, discharge valves, for storing a first volume of water, a method of maximizing water availability monitors a second volume of water within the system. Data regarding forecasted precipitation predicted to occur at some point in the future, including a predicted duration, intensity and volume are received and an expected time-dependent volume of water to be added to the system during the forecasted precipitation is estimated. If at least one of: a first sum of the predicted volume and the second volume and a second sum of the expected time-dependent volume and the second volume is greater than the first volume then the water pumps, drain valves, and discharge valves are controlled to discharge water until each of the first and second sums is not greater than the first volume.

Abstract: A combined water storage and detention (CWSD) system for maximizing storm water control and availability for use. The CWSD system includes a plurality of water conduits, remotely controllable water pumps, water storage drain valves, auxiliary bypass discharge valves, and, in pertinent part, a storage/detention system for storing/retaining a first volume of storm and sewer drain water, a sensing device for estimating a second volume of storm and sewer drain water within the storage/detention system, the second volume being less than or equal to the first volume, a precipitation forecast device for forecasting an expected time-dependent volume of water being added to or to be added to the system, and a controller that is structured and arranged to control the operating states of the plurality of controllable water pumps, water storage draining valves, and auxiliary bypass discharge valves.