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PySWMM

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PySWMM's own site

What PySWMM is

PySWMM is a free, open-source Python interface to the SWMM data model for stormwater modeling. It supports model optimization, control development, and post-processing of simulation results. Users can edit network and hydrologic parameters without directly manipulating an .inp file, interact with a running SWMM simulation, and prototype workflows quickly. Documentation describes extracting time-series data from active simulations and reading results from binary output files. Python control algorithms can set node inflows during simulations. PySWMM interfaces with USEPA SWMM5 and is described alongside SWMM-TOOLKIT and SWMM5 as a layered component. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Installation uses pip install pyswmm and requires Python 3.6 or higher on 64-bit x86-64. The project uses a permissive BSD-2-Clause license and directs support questions to GitHub Discussions and its issue tracker.

Who it suits

It is aimed at engineers, modelers, and researchers working on stormwater optimization, controls, and results processing. It suits Python users on Linux, macOS, or Windows.

What it does well

  • Free open-source Python interface
  • Supports live SWMM simulation interaction
  • Enables Python control algorithms
  • Avoids direct .inp editing
  • BSD-2-Clause license

What to know first

  • Requires Python 3.6 or higher
  • Requires 64-bit x86-64
  • Installation uses a command-line pip command
  • Support is directed to community channels

Plans

PlanBilled and limitsPrice
PySWMMOpen-source Python interface to SWMM · BSD-2-Clause licenseFree

As pyswmm.org lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

  1. Open the PySWMM website
  2. Use a Linux, macOS, or Windows system
  3. Confirm Python 3.6 or later on 64-bit x86-64
  4. Install the package with pip install pyswmm
  5. Use GitHub Discussions or the issue tracker for support questions

Verdict

PySWMM provides Python-driven access to SWMM modeling, live simulations, controls, and result extraction without a license fee. Its setup requirements and technical workflow make it most suitable for users comfortable with Python and stormwater models.

Questions

What does PySWMM cost?

The PySWMM plan is free, with a free plan.

Which systems does PySWMM support?

The desktop software supports Linux, macOS, and Windows.

How is PySWMM installed?

The quick guide uses pip install pyswmm and requires Python 3.6 or higher on 64-bit x86-64.

What license does PySWMM use?

The project describes PySWMM as using the permissive BSD-2-Clause license.

What is PySWMM used for?

It provides Python access to the SWMM data model for stormwater optimization, controls, and results post-processing.

Facts from PySWMM's own pages

Delivery mode
desktop · pyswmm.org, 23 Sept 2026
Free plan
Yes · pyswmm.org, 23 Sept 2026
Installation
The quick guide instructs users to install PySWMM with pip install pyswmm and lists Python 3.6 or higher, 64-bit x86-64, as a requirement. · pyswmm.org, 12 Oct 2026
Integrations
The project describes PySWMM as an interface to USEPA SWMM5 and its repository lists PySWMM, SWMM-TOOLKIT, and SWMM5 as layered components. · pyswmm.org, 12 Oct 2026
Intended users
The project says it is used by engineers, modelers, and researchers working on stormwater modeling optimization, controls, and results post-processing. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
License
The project describes its license as permissive BSD-2-Clause. · pyswmm.org, 12 Oct 2026
Live simulation
It enables users to interact with a running SWMM simulation and supports rapid prototyping. · pyswmm.org, 12 Oct 2026
Model workflows
It supports stormwater model optimization, controls, and results post-processing. · pyswmm.org, 12 Oct 2026
Network editing
It allows users to edit network and hydrologic parameters without manipulating the .inp file directly. · pyswmm.org, 12 Oct 2026
Organization
The project describes itself as community-owned and says contributors develop code to benefit users, often on their own time. · pyswmm.org, 12 Oct 2026
Purpose
PySWMM provides Python access to the SWMM data model for stormwater modeling. · pyswmm.org, 12 Oct 2026
Python controls
The project describes developing control algorithms in Python and setting node inflows during simulations. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Results
The project documentation describes extracting time-series data from running simulations and reading results from binary output files. · pyswmm.org, 12 Oct 2026
Support
The project directs users with bugs or support questions to GitHub Discussions and its issue tracker. · pyswmm.org, 12 Oct 2026
Supported systems
The tutorial lists installation instructions for Windows, Ubuntu/Linux, and MacOS. · pyswmm.org, 12 Oct 2026

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