Certified Facility Manager (CFM) Practice Exam

The primary purpose of a storm water drainage system is to?

1. Enhance aesthetic landscaping features

2. Carry water away from the property

3. Provide habitat for local wildlife

4. Collect water for irrigation

The correct answer is: Carry water away from the property

The primary purpose of a storm water drainage system is to carry water away from the property. Stormwater drainage systems are essential infrastructure designed to prevent flooding and water accumulation on properties. During heavy rain or storm events, these systems channel excess water away from buildings and roadways, allowing it to flow into designated areas such as storm drains, retention basins, or natural waterways. This function is crucial for managing surface runoff, protecting property from water damage, and maintaining safe conditions for pedestrians and vehicles. While enhancing aesthetic landscaping features, providing habitat for local wildlife, and collecting water for irrigation may have some importance, they are not the primary objectives of a storm water drainage system. Instead, these features might be secondary benefits or components of a more comprehensive water management strategy, often integrated within the broader context of sustainable landscaping or ecological considerations.