Environmental Services

Storm Sewer System

 

 

Storm Sewer System Information

The storm sewer system transmits rainwater runoff from streets, sidewalks, and buildings to our local streams, preventing flooding during heavy rains. Water flows into "catch basins" (storm drains) located along the street, through storm sewer pipes and local streams. This water is NOT treated at the Water Pollution Control Plant, so it is important not to dump chemicals or throw trash in the street or storm drains. Find out more about stormwater pollution.

The County has a permit from the State of Virginia to operate the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). Find out more about the County's MS4 permit.

In 1996, the County completed a Storm Water Master Plan, to document the County's policies and goals for stormwater management. The County is beginning a project to update the Stormwater Master Plan and Watershed Management Plan.

 Maintenance Programs

The Storm Sewer Maintenance and Construction Program is responsible for cleaning catch basins and manholes on a scheduled basis, cleaning storm sewer blockages within 24 hours from the report of problems, and repairing broken storm sewer line cave-ins. The maintenance program provides for an efficient storm drainage system, resulting in fewer flooding problems on County streets and private property. This program also provides creek maintenance for control of minor erosion, and ensures that open channels retain their flow capacity.

 

Sewer Maintenance ....................................703-228-6570

 24-hour Emergency.....................................703-228-6555

 1996 Storm Water Master Plan Document

The County is beginning a project to update the Stormwater Master Plan and Watershed Management Plan.

File NameSize
Introduction and Chapter 1 - Plan organization1.1 MB, about PDF format
Chapter 2 - Policies and Goals608 KB, about PDF format
Chapter 3 - Regulatory Requirements482 KB, about PDF format
Chapter 4 - Watershed Evaluation2.0 MB, about PDF format
Chapter 5 - Existing and Proposed Programs1.5 MB, about PDF format
Chapter 6 - Conclusions and Appendices1.9 MB, about PDF format
Entire 1996 Stormwater Master Plan7.6 MB, about PDF format


photo of worker replacing storm drain line

County worker installs new plastic storm sewer pipe to replace an old crushed terra cotta line that caused water to stand in the street during heavy rainfalls at N. Jackson St.

 

photo of back-fill operation

Kirkwood and Wilson Blvd. County workers begin to restore the street after installation of the new line. Crushed stone is back-filled around the new pipe.

 

photo of street restoration

After the stone is laid in, dirt is placed on top of the excavation and compacted with heavy rolling machine to the level of the pavement. After work on the drain is complete, the asphalt, curb, and gutter will be restored.


Last Modified: May 09, 2013
2100 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201 Tel: 703-228-3000 TTY: 703-228-4611