The Ripple Effect: VB311 Helps Residents Report Flooding and Standing Water

When flooding, standing water or blocked storm drains appear in your neighborhood, knowing whom to call, and what happens next, can make all the difference. VB311 is Virginia Beach’s easy-to-remember, one-stop number for reporting issues and getting connected to City services.  

What is VB311?  

VB311 is the City’s centralized customer service line where residents can quickly reach trained staff, day or night, who will provide information and connect callers to City services. To reach VB311:  

• Dial 311 from a landline within Virginia Beach city limits (free) 
• Call 757-385-3111 from a cellphone or outside city limits (applicable long-distance or cellular charges may apply)   

VB311 can assist with general city information such as directions to locations within Virginia Beach, information on City procedures and events, and details on parking and regulations for the Resort Area. Residents also can report concerns such as hazardous debris, maintenance needs on City property, residential water and sewer leaks, and more.  

How VB311 Can Help with Flooding Concerns 

During a heavy rain or storm event, residents can call to report:  

• Flooding on neighborhood streets 
• Standing water that isn’t draining  
• Blocked or clogged storm drains  
• Areas where emergency vehicles may have trouble passing  

VB311 staff will then create a case for review and, if verified, will dispatch a technician or crew to the location to place high water signs, close the road, clear a drain — all depending on the need. Due to safety concerns, technicians won’t clear a storm drain during an active storm event but may place high water signs in the interim.

VB311 documents all road closures and flooded streets, so residents can call back for updates. If the case is routed to another department, VB311 can connect the resident to someone who can provide updates.  

Around-the-Clock Support  

VB311 is available 24/7 and is especially valuable during heavy rain, high tides or severe weather. If roads become impassable or conditions change unexpectedly, residents have a reliable number to call for help and information.

• VB311
• Ripple Effect

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.