Flood management involves the management of flooding, people and land use, subject to physical and planning constraints. Within the context of flood management, flood forecasting systems play an important role in providing warnings of impending flood events. This can minimise damage due to flooding and, most importantly, reduce the risk to human life.

Urban drainage management has similar goals and strategies as flood management, but are more constrained by social and economic pressures. This often means that structural measures are prioritised, creating more emphasis on the management of drainage networks.