What can I do?

You can help preserve, protect and restore the integrity of Virginia Beach's extensive network of streams and wetlands. Your help is needed to reduce the following major pollutants in stormwater that are reaching our streams and creeks.

Oil & Engine Fluids

Oil and engine fluids left on roads and driveways are washed away during rain and flood events. These chemicals are highly toxic to aquatic plants and animals. It only takes four quarts, or about one oil change, of used motor oil to foul 1 million gallons of water. Fix leaks and absorb automotive fluid spills with kitty litter before sweeping the litter into the trash bin.

Soap & Residues From Car Washing

When you wash your car in a driveway, dirty water and soap ends up in storm drains, bringing pollutants with it. Soap and vehicle residues can severely damage fragile aquatic ecosystems. Wash your car on the lawn or at a commercial car wash. 

If you don't have a grassy spot or a wash bay connected to sanitary sewer, the next best way to protect waterways is to redirect all that dirty water away from the storm drain where it can be absorbed into the ground. Choose biodegradable soaps by looking for the EPA Safer Choice label.

Litter

During storms, rainwater carries litter from our streets and sidewalks into storm drains, which lead directly to the nearest stream. Litter can be toxic as it breaks down and can suffocate turtles, birds and other aquatic life. Place trash and recyclables in the appropriate bins.

Pet Waste

Pet waste can contain harmful bacteria or parasites that can last up to 10 years. If these organisms get into our stormwater, they can spread disease to wildlife, other pets, and even people. Scoop the poop in your yard and on walks with your pet.

Household Hazardous Wastes & Products

Household hazardous wastes include leftover cooking oil, paint, batteries, drain openers, and much more. If these products are improperly used, stored, or disposed of, they can be released into stormwater and cause great environmental harm.

Properly dispose of household hazardous wastes at the City's Resource Recovery Center.

Fertilizers

As rainwater flows across land, it picks up fertilizers and carries them to storm drains, which lead to the nearest stream. Nutrients from fertilizers feed algae blooms, which can make our lakes and ponds ugly and smelly. 

When the algae die and decompose, the oxygen level in the water drops, killing aquatic organisms. Test your soil before fertilizing and choose native plants that require less fertilizer to thrive.

Pesticides, Herbicides & Insecticide

These chemicals are designed to kill a variety of pests. During storms, rainwater washes these chemicals from plants and the soil and into the storm drains. When pesticides are released into the environment, they can kill or severely harm native plants, animals and insects. 

Use the least toxic pesticides and herbicides and follow label directions. Learn how to prevent pest problems and weed problems without pesticides and herbicides.

Yard Waste

Throwing or blowing yard waste (leaves, tree branches, etc.) into the gutter or street adds to stormwater pollution and can clog storm drains, possibly increasing localized flooding. 

Compost, mulch leaves and grass clippings back into your lawn or bag yard waste for collection. Sweep driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing them down.

Soil Erosion & Sediment

Sediment is the loose sand and other soil particles that settle at the bottom of a body of water. Soil and sediment caused by erosion settles in storm drains and clogs them, possibly increasing localized flooding. 

Sediment that is carried through the storm drain destroys natural habitats in steams, prevents natural vegetation from growing and can kill aquatic organisms. Reduce sediment runoff by seeding bare spots.

Only Rain Down the Drain

Remember that stormwater that enters the drain flows untreated into our local waterways. Never dump anything down storm drains or in streams. Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces; consider installing a rain barrel or rain garden to capture stormwater on your property. 

Treat pool water before draining and do not drain it directly into the street.