The Ripple Effect: Spring into Action to Keep Storm Drains Clean

As the weather warms up and everything starts to bloom, it's the perfect time to freshen up your yard and your storm drain habits. Simple steps this spring can go a long way in preventing flooding and protecting our waterways. 

Spring showers are great for your garden, but they can also wash grass clippings, fertilizers and debris straight into storm drains. That runoff doesn’t get treated. It flows directly into local rivers, streams and the Chesapeake Bay. By making small changes, we can all help reduce pollution and protect our coastal environment. 

Four Easy Actions with a Big Impact 

• Clear gutters and swales – Remove grass clippings, pollen buildup and yard debris from curb gutters and swales, so rainwater can flow freely. 

• Install a rain barrel at downspouts – Rain barrels can collect roof runoff and help reduce storm drain flooding. Plus, you can use the water for plants and outdoor chores! 

• Compost yard waste – Skip the curb piles. Compost your grass clippings and trimmings to reduce pollution and create natural fertilizer. 

• Be drain smart – Only rain in the drain! Avoid washing fertilizers, dirt or chemicals into storm drains, because they flow straight to local rivers and the Bay. 

A cleaner Virginia Beach starts right in your yard. With just a few easy habits, you can make a real impact this spring — for your neighborhood and for our waterways.  

Volunteer to Protect Our Waterways  

• Adopt-a-Drain: Keep a storm drain clear! Volunteer to clean around your adopted drain at least six times a year to prevent pollution. 

• Storm Drain Marker Program: Help spread the word! Mark storm drains with educational tags to remind neighbors not to dump anything down them. 

• Clean the Bay Day: Join thousands on the first Saturday in June for a one-day cleanup of local rivers, beaches and streams in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. 

• Litter Kit from the Library: Check out a free Litter Kit with grabbers, safety vest and bucket from the Virginia Beach Public Library that is perfect for neighborhood cleanups anytime! 

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.