Stormwater Management

Water from rain and irrigation carries fertilizers and pesticides, soil and debris off lawns and streets into neighborhood storm drains that lead directly to our streams, rivers and bays.

Traditional stormwater management has focused on removing quantities of water from our streets and neighborhoods, with the primary goal being to prevent flooding. Again, this water went untreated and was discharged directly into area waterways.

Now, federal and state regulations require localities to better manage the quality of the stormwater that is entering our creeks, streams, rivers and bays. These regulations require much planning and educational effort to be effective, but the benefits include cleaner surface water and a healthier environment!

Your local governments are hard at work developing and implementing stormwater management programs that include construction of best management practices, system maintenance, water quality testing, enforcement of program standards and public education. Significant results and cost cuts are being achieved through regional cooperation. These regional efforts are being coordinated through the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, with representatives from local governments. Hence, the beginnings of HR STORM. HR STORM is a coalition of local government staff members who come together to share ideas and pool resources for targeted educational program efforts about stormwater management. In addition, the HRPDC facilitates monthly meetings of the Regional Stormwater Management Committee where program staff members from 14 localities in Hampton Roads coordinate efforts in water quality data gathering and pollutant loading studies. This data will enable localities to better target future program dollars to help improve both the management of the quantities of stormwater, as well as improving the quality of the stormwater entering local water bodies.

Together, local governments in Hampton Roads are working to help address water quantity and quality issues related to stormwater management to improve program delivery and results for you, the taxpayer. If you have specific questions about stormwater projects in your locality, contact the Department of Public Works.

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