Richmond VA > Public Utilities > How You Can Help

Last Updated: 2015-07-22

Maintenance of catch basins and storm sewers prevents stormwater pollution runoff into the James River and Chesapeake Bay, reduces mosquito infestation and provides a cleaner appearance to city neighborhoods.

Along with cleaning and drainage infrastructure maintenance, the utility encourages citizens to install Low Impact Design (LID) components on their property. LID allows stormwater to be filtered or stored on site, instead of flowing untreated to the James River or Chesapeake Bay.

Rain Gardens - Low Impact Design Rain Garden
On-Site Storage - Low Impact Design On-Site Storage
Permeable Pavement - Low Impact Design Permeable Pavement
Vegetated Filter Strips - Low Impact Design Vegetated Filter Strips

Some examples of LID are:

  • On-site stormwater storage
  • Rain gardens
  • Vegetated filter strips
  • Permeable pavers

To find out what you can do to help prevent pollution to Richmond’s waterways, or if you want a stormwater presentation at your next civic association meeting, call the stormwater utility public education and outreach coordinator at 646-0177.

A catch basin full of debris is vacuumed by the Stormwater Maintenance Team. What a difference!
A catch basin full of debris is vacuumed by the Stormwater Maintenance Team. What a difference!

Following the Stormwater Fees

Oxford Parkway. The sign reads 'Another Improvement Completed by the City of Richmond DPU Stormwater Management Program.'

The stormwater fees you pay go toward three major components:

Consistent Operations and Maintenance

This includes the inspection, cleaning and clearing of catch basins, drainage ditches and detention ponds.

Stormwater Master Plan

The Master Plan takes an overall look at all of Richmond's watersheds and provides a total engineering solution to address problem areas where a quick fix is inadequate.

Regulatory Compliance

The city must ensure that it meets very stringent state and federal stormwater regulatory requirements.

How Stormwater is Tied to Government Regulations

Pollution which gets into the James River via stormwater runoff.

Polluted stormwater runoff is the leading source of surface water pollution in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Conservation and Recreation have ordered aggressive standards for pollution reduction in the James River.

Each locality developed programs that identified and eliminated non-stormwater discharges in the storm sewer system, including illegal dumping of materials such as paint, leaves, debris, oils and grease into storm sewers.

Richmond is also responsible for the enforcement of programs controlling waste and sediment and reducing pollutants from construction sites - major contributors of urban stormwater pollution.

Each locality must bear the financial responsibility of these mandates since they do not come with state or federal funding.

Links

RVA Impact Map displays projects (i.e. gas, water, paving, etc.), events (i.e. parades, races, block parties, etc.) and right of way impacts (i.e. detours, partial and full lane closures, barricades, parking restrictions, etc.) as an interactive map for informational and navigational purposes. Data displayed is refreshed as changes are made.

Contact Information:

Public Utilities
City of Richmond
900 E. Broad St.,
Room 115
Richmond, VA
23219 USA
Map It
Phone: (804)646-7000

DPU can automatically deduct the amount of your monthly bill from your checking or savings account on the date the bill is due. Call (804) 646-7000 to request an application, then return the completed application with a voided check. DPU will set up the service with your bank at no charge to you. The form may also be downloaded online - Automatic Utility Payment Plan Agreement Authorization for Direct Deposits/Payments (ACH Debits/Credits)

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