As urbanization and construction of streets occurred within the Town of Vienna, a network of inlets, pipes, and outlets were installed to direct the flow of rainwater into the nearest local stream. Because this system of pipes is not connected to any sort of water treatment facility, it is very important that nothing except rainwater enter the system through the inlets located near residents' homes. Do not put pet waste, motor oil, grease, fertilizer, grass, leaves, or other debris and materials into stormwater inlets.

The Town's stormwater system is operated under a permit from the state of Virginia per requirements of 4VAC50-60, "General Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) Permit for Discharges of Stormwater from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems." The Town was originally issued an MS4 permit in 2003 (Permit VAR040066). The current five-year permit will expire on June 30, 2018.

To view the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS-4) program plan and current VSMP MS-4 Annual Report, please see the links at the bottom of this page.This version of the MS4 program plan supersedes the plan dated September 23, 2014 and represents the annual update required by the MS4 permit.

Mandated by Congress under the Clean Water Act and implemented in Virginia by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the purpose of VSMP permit regulations is to protect water quality from urban stormwater pollution. Stormwater runoff in urban areas may contain sediments, fertilizers, pesticides, bacteria, motor oil, and other pollutants generated by various land uses and human activities. When left uncontrolled, this pollution can result in the impairment or destruction of fish, wildlife, and aquatic-life habitats; a loss in aesthetic value; and threats to public safety and health.

To report an environmental concern, please email DPW  or call 703-255-6343.

For more information about the storm drain network located near your home, contact the Department of Public Works.

For more information on preventing stormwater runoff polution, visit the Northern Virginia Clean Water Partners website.

For more information about SWM facilities in Town, view the SWM Facilities list.

Anyone interested in volunteering their time and effort to help protect our streams and watersheds may contact the Department of Parks and Recreation for more information. TheParks and Recreation Department participates in the annual Potomac Watershed Cleanup Day held in mid-April, but they accept volunteers throughout the year. 

The Department of Public Works accepts volunteers who would like to participate specifically in marking  storm drains. The department provides the tools while you provide the time and manpower. Together we can keep our streams and watersheds pollution free!

Our local streams and parks are among the many features that make the Town of Vienna a great hometown. Many residents relish walking along stream valleys, enjoying nature and the many animals that live in these areas. Residents should be aware that any open, unprotected body of water is subject to pollution from indiscriminate dumping of litter and waste products, sewer line breaks, and contamination from runoff pesticides, herbicides, and waste from domestic and wildlife animals. Therefore, use of streams for contact recreational purposes, such as swimming, wading, etc., which could cause ingestion of stream water or possible contamination of an open wound by stream water, should be avoided.  Virginia Department of Health - Risks of Recreational Water Use

Vienna is part of the Potomac River watershed and the larger Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Rain that falls on the northern and eastern side of Vienna enters Piney Branch or Wolftrap Creek, which flow into Difficult Run, which in turn drains into the Potomac River. Rain that falls on the southwestern side of Vienna enters Bear Branch or Hunters Branch, which flow into Accotink Creek, which also drains into the Potomac River.

watersheds map

• Fairfax County Stormwater site 
• Vienna Watersheds and Flood Plains map
• Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS-4) Program Plan 
• VSMP MS-4 Annual Report 
• Vienna MS-4 Appendices   
• Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas 
• Hunters Branch Stream Restoration Project  
• Vienna Parks and Recreation Department 
• Vienna Parks Map