M.A. / The management of the stormwater flow and other related environmental issues within the catchment of the Fourways Spruit have been investigated against the background of accepted management practices in other countries throughout the world. The local conditions and aspects that had an influence on the stormwater flow patterns and an impact on the environment along the Fourways Spruit have been taken into account in the study. The research problem has been divided into three main categories, namely the stormwater flow in the Fourways Spruit and the management of it, the related urban environmental problems, and the social problems related to the urban development and stormwater flow in the Spruit. Each category has been divided further into sub-categories in order to obtain indepth information on every aspect and to conduct a proper evaluation of the main problem. The existing situation as well as the problems that can be expected in the catchment was analysed in order to confirm the exact nature of the problem. Apart from the general problems associated with urbanisation and an increase in stormwater flow patterns, a number of specific problems were identified for each category. It became evident that the increase in the stormwater flow patterns in the catchment area of the Fourways Spruit was not managed in terms of accepted stormwater management practices. Certain sections of the streambed has degraded to such an extent as a result of the erosion that took place over years, that serious rehabilitation and maintenance work will be necessary in an attempt to restore the functionality of the Spruit and also to manage the stormwater flow to a certain extent. In addition, a number of new attenuation structures and measures will have to be introduced to manage the anticipated stormwater flow volumes in the future. The degrading of the stream and the natural vegetated areas along it has resulted in an accumulation of problems, also affecting the environmental and social aspects. Natural floral and faunal habitats were destroyed as a result of the erosion of the streambed and the removal of natural vegetation by replacing it with cut lawns and landscaped gardens. The large commercial component in the catchment further contributed to the environmental and aesthetic problems due to the abnormally large areas of paved surfaces resulting in the inflow of high volumes of polluted water and litter into the Fourways Spruit. The Fourways Spruit has the qualities and capabilities to function as a drainage system where the stormwater flow can be attenuated to acceptable levels. The areas along the Spruit can also function as an open space system for formal and informal recreational purposes. Suitable areas should be demarcated where the natural and safe habitats can be preserved or restored to improve the abundance and diversity of bird and animal life. A number of proposals and recommendations have been made which will improve the current condition of the Fourways Spruit. In essence, it is recommended that all the various plans, proposals, and initiatives be integrated into one workable document, namely, a Stormwater Management Plan. The recommendations and proposals regarding the necessary rehabilitation and maintenance to the streambed will improve the physical condition of the Fourways Spruit and will have in immediate positive visual impact. As the majority of problems that have been identified can be related to environmental management, the impact of the recommendations on the surrounding environment and the effectiveness of the proposed management structures and control measures will only be visible over a longer term. Should a Stormwater Management Plan, as recommended, not be prepared and implemented, it will have a serious negative impact on the Fourways Spruit, the surrounding environment, and the community living in the area.