Define the boundary
State whether a term applies to the property, building, municipal network, watershed or emergency context.
Common language
Stormwater and Flood-Resilience Terminology
Clear definitions reduce design, training, procurement, inspection and public-communication errors.
- Risk-firstbefore product choice
- Evidencebefore claims
- Lifecycleinspection and maintenance
Who this is for
Use the guidance within a defined role and scope.
- Homeowners and building owners
- Professionals and contractors
- Municipal programme staff
- Educators and writers
RSM scope
Independent education and standards-informed practice guidance.
External authority
Law, code, municipal rules, permits, manufacturer instructions and qualified professional decisions remain controlling.
Project responsibility
Owners, designers, contractors, inspectors and authorities retain assigned duties.
Core principles
Build practice around clear decisions and verifiable outcomes.
Separate cause from symptom
Water in a basement is an outcome, not a single technical cause.
Use authority language carefully
Code, standard, guidance, permit, approval and certification are not interchangeable.
Record project meanings
Reports and contracts should define special terms and abbreviations.
Practice detail
Why terminology matters
Different disciplines may use the same word differently. A homeowner may call every below-grade event a sewer backup, while an inspector distinguishes sanitary surcharge, storm surcharge, groundwater seepage and surface entry. Shared definitions make procurement, training and public programmes more reliable.
20 terms shown
Authority having jurisdiction
The authority or official responsible for interpreting or enforcing an applicable requirement.
Backwater valve
A check valve intended for a drainage system to reduce reverse flow.
Commissioning
Documented verification that installed systems operate according to defined requirements.
Corrective action
Action addressing the cause of a nonconformity to reduce recurrence.
Flood barrier
A permanent or deployable component intended to reduce water entry through a defined opening.
Groundwater
Water below the ground surface that can affect foundations and below-grade spaces.
Hold point
A planned stage where work stops for verification before proceeding.
Major system
The route or storage used for runoff when the minor system is exceeded.
Minor system
The sewer, inlet and conveyance system for more frequent storm events.
Nonconformance
Failure to meet a specified requirement or acceptance criterion.
Overland flow
Water moving across the ground surface rather than through the intended network.
Residual risk
Risk remaining after controls are implemented.
Sanitary sewer
A sewer intended primarily to convey wastewater.
Sewer backup
Reverse or obstructed flow that threatens a building through connected drainage.
Storm sewer
A sewer intended to convey stormwater and permitted drainage.
Stormwater
Water from precipitation that runs off, infiltrates, is stored or enters drainage systems.
Subsoil drainage
Drainage collecting water from soil near below-grade construction.
Sump pump system
Collection, pumping, discharge, control, alarm and power components used to remove water.
Technical bulletin
A dated controlled publication for clarification, correction or interim practice.
Weeping tile
Common term for foundation drainage piping.
Practice detail
How RSM definitions are used
RSM definitions provide educational consistency. Legal definitions in statutes, regulations, codes, permits and contracts take priority in their scope. Manufacturer terminology can also control product instructions and warranty.
Practice detail
Revision and translation discipline
Definitions should be versioned, reviewed by technical and public audiences and written in plain language without losing precision. French terminology and other translations require professional domain review before publication.
Working sequence
A repeatable pathway from question to maintained outcome
- 1
Identify the audience and decision.
- 2
Locate controlling definitions.
- 3
Use one preferred term.
- 4
List synonyms and discouraged wording.
- 5
Review ambiguity after field use.
Avoidable failures
Common ways good intentions become unreliable practice
- Using flood-proof as an absolute promise
- Calling every check valve a backwater valve
- Confusing a training certificate with a licence
- Using approved without naming the authority
Related pathways
Connect guidance to the next responsible action.
Official and institutional references
Check the controlling source.
RSM summarizes concepts for education. Use current official documents, local authorities and qualified professionals for project decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Important scope and application questions
Is stormwater one word?
RSM uses stormwater as the preferred form while preserving official titles.
What is an authority having jurisdiction?
The organization or official responsible for interpreting or enforcing an applicable requirement in the context.
What is the difference between a standard and guidance?
A standard establishes agreed requirements through a defined process; guidance explains recommended approaches and may remain advisory.
Can a municipal programme define terms differently?
Yes. The official programme document controls its eligibility and administration.
Standards-informed practice
Use guidance as part of a complete responsibility system.
Connect knowledge with competent roles, approvals, records, inspection, maintenance and transparent communication.
Published: July 19, 2026 Last reviewed: July 19, 2026
RSM provides independent educational and standards-informed guidance. Confirm current legal, code, municipal, professional, product and project requirements with the appropriate authority and qualified people.
Next steps
Use the standards system
Move from a single topic to the wider guidance, evidence and feedback process.