Based on the results of large-scale tests performed on storm water sewers (DN 2,500 (2500 mm, 100 in) to DN 3,400 (3400 mm, 136 in)) the following conclusions, according to [Dettm2005], were drawn:

1. In the case of thorough cleaning, stormwater sewers have to be designed for a critical erosion shear stress according to Shields of τ_e,crit = 11.9 N/m². Here, a continuous flushing with a maximum number of surge waves per day is recommended. The surge waves should have a height of h_surge=100 cm and a flushing water volume of V_Flush = 138 m³.

2. For preventative cleaning however, the critical erosion shear stress was defined by Ristenpart [Riste1995] to be τ_e,crit = 3.0 N/m². To keep the storm water sewers permanently free of deposits, 1 to 2 surge waves per day should be produced during the dry spell. They should also be designed for a height of h_height = 100 cm.

The application of the surge flushing method is limited by unfavourable local conditions such as extreme dry weather conditions, highly solidified deposits, bends in the pipes, a low gradient, ponding in the flushing area or a restrictor at the sewer outlet. Another potential weak point of surge flushing devices is the leak tightness of the systems during the back up phase because a high leakage rate reduces their effectiveness drastically.