Anyone living in Richmond knows the problems a heavy rainfall or severe thunderstorm can create.
Roads become impassable and standing water remains long after the storm passes.
The Richmond Department of Public Utilities implemented a Stormwater Utility in July 2009 to manage the stormwater that
runs off the properties of city residents and business owners. These funds are used to implement a comprehensive
stormwater quality management plan as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Virginia Department
of Conservation and Recreation.
Although these agencies mandate stormwater regulations, funding is not provided and localities must fund their own stormwater
programs. The city collects stormwater utility fees for this purpose. There are approximately 400 stormwater utilities
nationwide and several in Virginia, including the cities of Portsmouth, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Chesapeake and
Newport News.
Stormwater runoff is precipitation from rain or snow that does not soak into the ground. Impervious surfaces such as
driveways, parking lots, roads, sidewalks, streets and roofs prevent stormwater runoff from naturally soaking into the
ground. Urban stormwater is the number one source of surface water pollution in the U.S. and causes public safety hazards,
health risks and environmental threats. Stormwater issues include flooding, pollution, water quality and soil erosion.
Even if you do not have ditches or drain inlets on or near your property, the runoff water that leaves your property
either from rainfall or irrigation ultimately drains into a city-maintained drainage facility. The Stormwater Utility
is responsible for managing this runoff.
The Richmond Stormwater Utility regularly cleans and clears 178 miles of city-managed drainage pipes by following
a bi-yearly cleaning schedule. Some pipes are cleaned monthly. Even though storm drain inlets may not have debris on
or around them, clogged underground pipes can cause water to back up, resulting in standing water and flooding.
As with any new program, it will take time for the full effect of the Stormwater Utility to be realized.
However, substantial improvements in maintenance services and better drainage are already visible.
The Stormwater Utility welcomes calls from the public notifying us of problem storm drains and encourages residents to help
by keeping storm drains near their homes and businesses clear of debris. Email
Stormwater Utility or call (804)646-3000.
