Residential Drainage

Residential Drainage: Stormwater Management

When it rains, the water that does not soak into the ground flows off streets, parking lots, lawns and driveways, collecting pollutants from pet waste, pesticides, fertilizers and other contaminants along the way. This stormwater runoff then flows directly into the county storm drains where it eventually flows -untreated- into our rivers, streams and the Chesapeake Bay.  

While Stafford County and the Virginia Department of Transportation have mechanisms in place to manage and maintain storm systems within County easements or public street rights-of-way, the storm systems on private property are the responsibility of that property owner. Property owners must take responsibility to keep stormwater free-flowing and free from pollutants.

Residential Drainage Fact Sheet

Clogged CulvertIf you have a concern about drainage, contact the Environmental Division at (540) 658-8830 to request a site visit to your property. Staff will help identify the problem, determine the party responsible for maintenance, and provide technical assistance as necessary. 

  1. Culverts: Routine Maintenance, Repair or Replacement
  2. How to Reduce Stormwater Pollutants

Information regarding routine maintenance and culvert repair or replacement:

  • Routine culvert maintenance is the key to avoiding flooding and costly repairs. This maintenance may include grass mowing, as well as the removal of trash, vegetation, debris, or any obstruction that prevents water from flowing through the culvert freely.

  • Culvert repairs or replacements can be made without County approval or permits as long as the culvert replacement is made with the same diameter pipe at the same general slope and length, and less than 2,500 square feet of total land will be disturbed for the repair and/or replacement.

  • Private entrance culverts within VDOT right-of-way may require a Land Use Permitfrom VDOT for repairs or replacement. 

  • For cases where existing culverts may be too small to adequately pass stormwater runoff from rainfall events, the Stafford County Department of Public Works must be notified to ensure that any proposed changes to the culvert size are properly engineered and evaluated for impacts to adjacent properties and drainage ways.

  • Culverts that cross live streams or wetland areas may also require additional permitting or notification to the US Army Corps of Engineers prior to any repairs or installation. The Stafford County Department of Public Works can assist with this process