The Environmental Services Division of the Prince William County Department of Public Works is dedicated to helping the community with drainage assistance and flood control. The program manages the County's water resources through control of storm water runoff, public education, and inspection of developments for proper drainage and erosion control. |
Our primary responsibility is to maintain and repair drainage systems located within drainage easements. We receive hundreds of requests each year for this service. Occasionally, we receive requests for assistance with drainage systems outside the easement. We stand ready to provide the community with assistance or guidance for these problems as well.
Most drainage systems consist of catch basins or yard inlets which intercept storm water runoff and carry the water off through a pipe system. These pipes direct the flow into ponds, streams and rivers. All water in Prince William County eventually flows into the Chesapeake Bay.
Typically, homeowners will only see the portions of drainage structures located above the ground such as concrete slabs with openings either in the top or the sides and occasionally ends of pipes near drainage ditches. Once water enters these surface structures, it is carried underground through concrete pipes.
Public Works should be notified at
703-792-7070 if the drainage easement is blocked, in need of repair, or if it does not seem to be functioning normally.
Property owners in easements are responsible for routine ground maintenance such as grass mowing and trash or debris removal. The County should be notified of any defects in or around the drainage system such as broken concrete, holes in the ground over pipes or around structures, and severe erosion.
Keep the area free of litter. You should prevent grass clippings or leaves from washing into the system. Keep the area easily accessible in case repairs or maintenance is required. Do not place sheds or other structures over drainage easements without first getting permission from Public Works. Be sure not to pour used motor oil, pet wastes or other debris into the system. These precautions keep the area open for proper drainage and also protect water quality.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) maintains all storm inlets located within the street right-of-way. Typically, VDOT takes care of roadside ditches and driveway culverts. If you are unsure about the problem area, please call Public Works at 703-792-7070.
How You Can Help
There are several things you can do to help prevent or minimize drainage problems. Before and after a heavy rain, please remember to:
- Check the gutters on your house and drainage ditches around your property. Blockages can cause runoff to pond in your yard, or cause damage to your house.
- Rake or remove leaves, branches, roadside litter, weeds or any material that can block drains. Note: if you rake leaves from your yard before they can blow away, this will help prevent leaves from blocking the storm drains. Leaves are a primary cause of storm drain problems.
- Check the inlets of street storm drains to be sure they are free from any materials such as leaves, tires, toys, automobile parts, branches, sale signs, etc.
- Check the path of water flow during a storm and remove any debris. This will help prevent materials from flowing into storm drains.
- Report any unauthorized access or pumping of illegal substances such as used motor oil into drainage systems.
- Call this office at 703-792-7070 about assistance for problems beyond your control. We will review the situation and offer an appropriate course of action.
- If you are proposing any improvements on your property, please consider the drainage impacts to neighboring properties. The installation of raised driveways, fences and landscape beds can cause block the natural flow of runoff, resulting in areas of standing water. If you extend your downspouts, consider the outlet points and the impact it may have on your neighbor's property.
We are committed to providing the finest service in flood control and drainage maintenance. Our goal is to ensure the efficient flow of storm water to minimize flooding, erosion and pollution runoff.
Public Works staff is available to answer questions and resolve problems. Feel free to call us at
703-792-7070 if you need our help.
Please remember: