Stormwater Isn’t Play Water: What Families Need to Know

Stormwater ponds, ditches and drains are part of daily life in many Virginia Beach neighborhoods, working quietly to reduce flooding and protect water quality. These features can look calm and inviting, especially to children, but conditions can change quickly.

Parents, caregivers and neighbors play an important role in keeping families safe, and a little awareness goes a long way.

Safety Reminders for Families 

• Teach children never to play near stormwater ponds, ditches, channels or drains. 
• Water levels can rise fast due to storms happening far away, and ditches can fill suddenly. 
• Stay at least 10 feet from the edge of ponds or channels during and after rain. 
• Drainage structures can create strong suction, trap debris and fill rapidly. Never place hands, feet, toys or pets near openings. 
• Leave wildlife alone. Stormwater ponds can be home to fish, turtles, snakes and other animals. Observe from a distance. 
• Avoid entering stormwater ponds for any reason, including swimming, boating, fishing or retrieving items. 

When to Contact the City 

• Report damaged grates, missing covers, clogged pipes or erosion concerns by calling 757‑385‑1470 or submitting a request through VB311. 
• If a toy or pet goes into a storm drain or pond, never attempt retrieval yourself. These areas are hazardous, and sudden water movement can occur without warning. Call 757‑385‑1470 or email PWclrks@vbgov.com for assistance. 

Behind the Scenes

The City maintains both public and private stormwater ponds to ensure they function properly – removing debris, managing vegetation, repairing erosion and monitoring water flow. Safety features, however, are different.

Fencing, access control and other barriers around privately owned ponds are the responsibility of property owners or homeowners associations. And while fencing might seem like an easy solution, it is not always feasible, because it can interfere with environmental buffers, maintenance access and the different layouts and drainage needs across the city. 

Stormwater systems are designed to move large volumes of water. A ditch or channel may appear dry, but storms happening miles away can send water rushing through outfalls and structures without warning. Teaching children to recognize these risks helps prevent accidents and keeps outdoor time safe for everyone.

Resources for Residents

To help educate, the City of Virginia Beach has created a Stormwater Safety Toolkit, a free set of ready-to-use materials designed specifically for residents, homeowner associations and civic leagues. It features social media graphics and print-ready flyers for newsletter or community use. 

The toolkit was created to make it easy for neighborhood organizations to share consistent, accurate safety information without having to create their own content. It is available online now at VirginiaBeach.gov/StormwaterSafety and is free to download and share.

• Stormwater Safety
• Public Works