Flood Resilient Arlington

Overview

What is Arlington doing to be more Flood Resilient?

Recent localized flooding from intense short periods of rainfall now challenges parts of our stormwater system due to issues of capacity and limited overland relief. Arlington is improving flood resilience by:

New types and locations for capacity projects (such as the vault at Cardinal Elementary School)
- Stormwater Management Zoning Amendments (adopted March 2023)
Increased analytics and data assessment - Risk Assessment and Management Plan
Increased stormwater requirements for development
Increased investment in the stormwater program through Bonds and CIP
Conversion to a stormwater utility
Voluntary property acquisition
Floodproofing outreach

Stormwater Management Presentation to Civic Federation, Nov 14, 2023

Get the latest Flood Resilient Arlington Updates

Story Map: A Flood Resilient Arlington

Story Map best viewed in Chrome browser

Arlington’s stormwater system includes 10,000 storm drains, over 330 miles of storm sewers and 33 miles of natural stream channels.

For questions and more information on flood-related issues
Contact: descommunications@arlingtonva.us | 703-228-5000

Funding and Capital Project Planning

FY25-FY34 Capital Improvement Program – July, 2024. Adopted 10 year CIP represents a significant investment to enhance and update the County’s stormwater infrastructure.
Stormwater Bonds Information – November, 2020 and 2022. Two stormwater bonds were approved by voters. Find out more about system capacity improvements funded by the stormwater bonds.

Inter-departmental Workgroup on Stormwater Management and Resilience

A County inter-departmental workgroup continues to address stormwater management and resilience, focusing on the key topics of:

Emergency response/life safety notification
Development and regulations
Strategic improvements and policy changes
Communications and engagement

The workgroup delivered an update on their efforts at the Feb. 25, 2020 Recessed Board Meeting.