Donaldson Run

Location

Donaldson Run is located in north Arlington in a primarily residential neighborhood.

Drainage Area

Donaldson Run drains directly into the Potomac River. The drainage area is approximately 1 square mile, and 30 percent of the watershed is impervious.

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Drainage area for the Donaldson Run monitoring site.

Rapid Stream Assessment Technique Scale: Fair

In 2011, we assessed all the streams in the County as part of the Stormwater Master Plan Update. The assessment used the Channel Evolution Model to evaluate which sections of the streams are actively eroding to prioritize them for stream restoration. During that assessment, Donaldson Run was evaluated to be a priority stream for stream restoration given that approximately half of the stream length assessed was found to be in an actively eroding state.

About Donaldson Run

In 2006, the County completed a stream project on Donaldson Run’s Tributary A to bring stability and balance to the stream channel. In 2011, a watershed retrofit study of Donaldson Run was completed.

Donaldson Run's Tributary B stream project, completed in 2022, helped stabilize steeply eroded banks and protect vulnerable infrastructure.

Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Data

The monitoring site is located within Zachary Taylor Park, within the restored reach, to document any changes resulting from the restoration. 

Macroinvertebrates commonly found are:

• Net-spinning caddisflies
• Small minnow mayflies
• Black flies 

Bacteria Monitoring Data

There are two bacteria monitoring sites on Donaldson Run; one within the restored reach above Military Road and one below Military Road in an unrestored area. Learn more about bacteria monitoring data.