Storm Drain Marking Program
Mark storm drains in your neighborhood to improve watershed awareness and prevent stormwater pollution.
Stormwater Management Regulatory Division
Virginia Relay TTY
Help Educate Your Community by Marking Storm Drains
Why should I mark storm drains?
Virginia Beach's Storm Drain Marking program increases public awareness about how stormwater pollution affects the health of our rivers, bays, and coastal waters. Many people do not realize that storm drains do not lead to a treatment plant; they carry rainwater directly into nearby waterways.
By placing watershed-specific markers on storm drains, volunteers help neighbors understand how their everyday actions impact water quality.
What's involved?
Virginia Beach promotes eight educational watersheds through this program:
- Lynnhaven River
- Elizabeth River
- Little Creek
- North Landing River
- West Neck Creek
- Back Bay
- Atlantic Ocean
- Rudee Inlet – Owl Creek
As a storm drain marking volunteer, you’ll install 4‑inch stainless-steel watershed medallions on storm drains in your neighborhood. Each marker is labeled with the waterbody that the drain flows to, helping residents see the direct connection between their streets and our waterways.
The program runs mid‑March through mid‑November. Volunteer hour credit is available - one hour of service is awarded for every seven markers installed.
The installation process is simple and quick.
The video on this page shows how easy it is to install a watershed marker using construction adhesive and a caulk gun. All necessary materials included in every volunteer kit.
Ready to Make a Difference? Volunteer Today!
Help protect our waterways and strengthen community awareness by becoming a Storm Drain Marking volunteer. Whether you’re an individual, a neighborhood group, a civic organization or part of a school or Scout troop, your efforts make a lasting impact.
Signing up is Easy
Email VBStormwater@vbgov.com with the neighborhood or area you’d like to mark, the number of volunteers participating, and the number of drains you plan to complete. We’ll prepare everything you need, including watershed‑specific markers, tools, maps, and safety supplies, and have your kit ready for pickup.
Join us in promoting cleaner, healthier waterways across Virginia Beach.
Take the first step: email VBStormwater@vbgov.com to volunteer!
Storm Drain Map
There are more than 40,000 storm drain inlets in Virginia Beach, and over 9,000 have already been marked.
The map below shows:
- Drains that have already been marked (in yellow)
- Drains available for marking (in blue)
- It may be necessary to zoom in on the map to view the markers
- A search tool to help you locate storm drains near your address
After you’ve completed your marking project, we’ll update the map and add your volunteer group name in recognition of your contribution.