Responsibilities
The Department of Public Works manages, maintains, and repairs the City's stormwater conveyance system. The system includes 140,000 linear feet of storm drain, 1,400 appurtenances, and 8,100 feet of stream channel in the Four Mile Run and Tripp's Run watersheds. In order to maintain this network, the City must comprehensively clean and inspect each storm drain line every year. Without these efforts the City would be at a greater risk for localized flooding.

In addition to ongoing maintenance and repair work, the Department of Public Works leads other related efforts to more effectively manage rainwater to reduce flooding and improve water quality.

Programs & Activities
City staff administers various programs and activities in order to comply with an array of related regulations that include:

• Federal Clean Water Act (e.g., National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES))
• Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit
• National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
• Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)

Code Regulations
City Code Section 42-171 prohibits persons from discharging or depositing anything other than stormwater runoff into the storm drainage system. Additionally, the code prohibits obstructing public drainage facilities.

Reporting
If you would like to report a drainage concern or an illicit discharge you can call the Department of Public Works at 703-248-5350 or use our online reporting system.