The Ripple Effect: Keeping Virginia Beach's Stormwater Pipes Flowing

Virginia Beach is home to a vast and intricate network of stormwater infrastructure, including over 1,050 miles of stormwater pipes. If laid end-to-end, these pipes could stretch from Virginia Beach all the way to Key Largo, Florida. In addition to this extensive pipe network, the City manages more than 212 miles of off-road drainage ditches, 463 miles of roadside ditches, 9,100 manholes and over 41,400 inlets and catch basins. The maintenance of such a large system is no small task and requires a combination of advanced technology and skilled personnel. 

One of the critical technologies employed by the City of Virginia Beach for maintaining its stormwater system is Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) inspections. These inspections are essential for inspecting the internal condition of the stormwater pipes, and identifying potential issues such as cracks, blockages and corrosion. By using CCTV technology, the City can proactively address problems before they escalate into more significant and costly repairs. 

The Importance of CCTV Inspections 

CCTV inspections are a non-invasive method for assessing the health of underground infrastructure. A small camera is inserted into the pipes and controlled remotely, providing real-time video footage to operators. This allows engineers to thoroughly inspect the pipes' interior without the need for excavation. The footage helps identify areas that may need immediate attention, such as build-ups of sediment, structural damage, or obstructions caused by debris. 

Maintaining the accuracy and reliability of these inspections is paramount. The City ensures that the CCTV equipment is refurbished or replaced every two years. This regular maintenance of the equipment ensures that the inspections remain effective and precise, allowing the City to maintain its infrastructure in optimal condition. 

The Scope of the Challenge 

The sheer scale of the stormwater system in Virginia Beach is challenging. Maintenance crews have removed a staggering 6,000 cubic yards of sediment and debris to help ensure the operational readiness of our stormwater system. That’s approximately equivalent to the volume of four main exhibit tanks at the Virginia Aquarium. It includes both preventive flushing done proactively on a five-year cycle and maintenance in response to service requests.    

Sediment removal is part of a proactive maintenance strategy, which includes a preventative flushing program on a five-year cycle and targeted maintenance in response to service requests. Vacuum trucks play a central role in this process. These vehicles use high-pressure water jets and powerful vacuums to clean pipes and catch basins, effectively removing grit, leaves and other debris. The vacuum system in these trucks can handle both wet and dry debris, collecting the slurry created by the jetting process and safely storing it in the truck's tank. 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Stormwater Management 

As Virginia Beach continues to grow and develop, the City's infrastructure must adapt to meet increasing demands. The completion of the Phase 1 project under the Flood Protection Program will add new assets to the stormwater system, necessitating additional equipment and staff to maintain these structures. 

The use of CCTV inspections, along with a fleet of vacuum trucks, is essential for the City’s ongoing efforts to keep its stormwater system functioning effectively. By investing in advanced technology and skilled personnel, Virginia Beach is not only maintaining its current infrastructure but also preparing for future challenges. This proactive approach ensures that the City's stormwater system can continue to support a growing population and remain resilient against the impacts of increasing severe weather challenges. 

The Virginia Beach Flood Protection Program — The Ripple Effect — is a comprehensive 10-year plan to address recurrent flooding in Virginia Beach. In November 2021, Virginia Beach voters overwhelmingly supported a resiliency package for several key flood protection initiatives to include drainage improvements, tide gates, pump stations and flood barriers throughout the city. The projects are led by Public Works with support from a community oversight board for transparency and accountability. Learn more at virginiabeach.gov/RippleEffect.