Frequently Asked Questions

Watershed scale refers to studying the drainage system over the entire drainage area, or watershed, as opposed to just upgrading a pipe in one location where flooding may be occurring. The County is analyzing the storm sewer system throughout the entire watershed to find locations to add stormwater detention, pipe upgrades, overland relief, or stormwater pumping stations (to help equalize the flow throughout the pipes).  These blended solutions will be more resilient in the long term and will avoid shifting flooding issues around by studying the system throughout the watershed.

It typically takes 5-8 years to plan and implement projects for the entire watershed, given funding availability.

The Storm Sewer Capacity Study (part of the 2014 Stormwater Master Plan) identified areas needing system capacity upgrades.

Following the July 2019 storm, the program shifted from an individual project focus to a larger watershed focus and five critical watersheds were identified for priority upgrades.  Upgrades to these watersheds are being planned as blended solutions that will address flooding throughout the entire watershed area.

Development of watershed scale solutions begins with land surveys, research on existing easements, and development of conceptual plans. Modeling is conducted to compare the feasibility and effectiveness of the different conceptual solutions for the watershed.  Working on a watershed scale involves analyzing how two proposed projects can jointly reduce flooding risk, as opposed to planning projects individually. Depending on the proposed location for infrastructure improvements, the stormwater management team may need to collaborate or request easements from Arlington County schools, Department of Parks, or private property owners.  Land availability, project feasibility and community input are reviewed to help select the most cost-effective options for the watershed.

The existing information for the watershed is analyzed to identify where capacity issues are located. A conceptual engineering analysis will identify possible locations for pipe upgrades, detention, stormwater pumping stations, overland relief, or other potential solutions to address the capacity issues. Staff also examine the existing easements or right of way for they study location.  Draft concept designs are developed, and the system is modeled to see how various solutions impact flooding in the watershed.   The design options are narrowed down and the project moves toward detailed design.  Throughout this process, the County will meet with members of the community to share information and receive feedback.

Bonds are used to finance capital improvement projects, such as upgrades to County facilities or park conservation.  Arlington sells mostly general obligation bonds to fund County projects. It borrows the funds (principal) at a cost (interest) and backs the loan with County credit rather than revenue from the project itself. The County must obtain voter approval on each bond, so it schedules referenda in November of even-numbered calendar years (which correspond to odd-number fiscal years).  The Stormwater bond was designed to help fund stormwater infrastructure, water quality and maintenance projects. To learn more about bonds, go to: Bond Referenda

Currently, stormwater bond debt service is paid through stormwater fees. A study is also underway to determine the feasibility of converting from a a stormwater program funded through a property tax rate to a stormwater utility fee structure.