Be Stormwater Smart  

Our stormwater system works behind the scenes to collect rainwater, move it safely through the city, and help reduce flooding and pollution. 

Stormwater ponds, ditches, culverts and drainage pipes help protect our neighborhoods from flooding. But they aren't designed for swimming, fishing, playing or exploring. Water levels and currents can change quickly, especially during and after rain.

There are more than 3,000 stormwater management facilities throughout Virginia Beach, and even familiar-looking ponds and ditches can become dangerous. 

Stormwater Safety Tips for Kids and Families

Stormwater facilities help protect our neighborhoods from flooding, but they are not safe places to play. Please share these safety tips with children, caregivers and neighbors to help keep everyone safe.

  • Stay away from stormwater ponds: These ponds are designed for stormwater, not swimming or wading. The edges can be slippery, and the water can get deep quickly. Ponds can also contain bacteria and algae that are harmful to people and pets.  
     

  •  Don’t play in ditches, channels or creeks: Even small amounts of water can turn into fast, strong currents during or after rain. Water can rise suddenly, even if it’s sunny where you are.

  • Keep clear of drains, pipes and culverts: These structures can create strong suction and fill with water quickly. Never try to enter or reach inside a drain or pipe.

  • Avoid storm drain grates and inlets: Kids should avoid sitting or standing on grates. If a toy or ball falls in, don’t try to get it — call the City for help. Call 757-385-1470 or email PWclrks@vbgov.com.

  • Keep pets away from stormwater structures: Dogs can slip into ponds or get caught in fast-moving water near outfalls or pipes. 

  • Follow all signs and barriers: Signs and fences are there for safety, even if the water looks calm.

  • Report anything unsafe: Broken grates, damaged pipes, erosion or unusual water flow should be reported to Public Works so hazards can be fixed quickly. Call 757-385-1470 or email PWclrks@vbgov.com.

  • Leave wildlife alone: Stormwater ponds can be home to fish, turtles, snakes and other wildlife. Watch from a distance.

Community Toolkit

The City has created a toolkit for residents and neighborhood associations, featuring social media graphics and print-ready flyers for newsletter or community use.

Download the Toolkit
  • Stormwater & Flood Protection
    • Flood Protection Program Flood Protection Program FAQ Flood Prevention Bond Referendum Oversight Board Central Resort District Eastern Shore Drive - Phase 1 Cape Henry Canal Phase II Gravity Sewer Relocation North Shore Drive Street Drainage Improvements, 1F Poinciana Pump Station Eastern Shore Drive Bundle Lake Bradford/Chubb Lake Pump Station & Outfall Church Point/Thoroughgood BMP and Drainage Improvements Lake Pleasure House Outfall Lake Bradford Ditch Dredging Linkhorn Bay Drainage Basin First Colonial Road and Oceana Boulevard Drainage Improvements Seatack Neighborhood Drainage Improvements Southern Rivers Watershed Pungo Ferry Road New Bridge Road West Neck Creek Bridge Stormwater Green Infrastructure Marsh Restoration in Back Bay Elizabeth River Wetland and Floodplain Restoration Windsor Woods, Princess Anne Plaza & The Lakes Club House Road Storm Drainage Windsor Woods Tide Gate South Plaza Trail and Presidential Boulevard Drainage Improvements Old Forge Road and Red Lion Road Drainage Improvements Bow Creek Stormwater Park Windsor Woods, Princess Anne Plaza, and The Lakes Mega Bundle Master Planning Sea Level Wise Stormwater Extension Flood Monitoring Flooding Mitigation Toolbox Stormwater Quality Stormwater Management Facilities Stormwater Regulations Stormwater Utility Fee Discount Stormwater Quality Projects & Evaluations 17th Street Regional Stormwater Facility Ashville Bridge Creek Watershed Bayville Lake Water Quality Improvement Bellamy Woods Water Quality Improvement Brigadoon Park Water Quality Improvement Chatham Hall Lake Water Quality Improvement Historic Kempsville Water Quality Improvements Kemps Lake Water Quality Improvement Lake Bradford & Great Neck Lake Monitoring Lake James Watershed Lake and Pond Water Quality Monitoring Studies Lynnhaven Park Constructed Wetlands Lynnhaven River Basin Ecosystem Restoration Project Oceana Gardens Constructed Wetlands Princess Anne Athletic Complex Providence Park Wet Pond Salem Village Park Water Quality Improvement Saw Pen Point Shoreline Restoration Sunstream Park Pond Mosquito Control Mosquito-Borne Diseases Stormwater Safety Get Involved Adopt-a-Drain Storm Drain Marking Program Good to Do National Flood Insurance Program Stormwater Management Implementation Advisory Group