Our mission is to reduce street
flooding due to storm water and to reduce the
discharge of pollutants from the storm water system to
the maximum extent practicable
John M. White, PE • Storm Water Engineer
2233 McKann Avenue • Norfolk, VA 23509
Phone: (757) 823-4000 • Fax: (757) 441-2402
Email: stormwtr@norfolk.gov
What is storm water?
Storm water is a term used to describe water that originates during
precipitation events. Storm water that does not soak into the ground becomes
surface runoff which flows into the waterways either directly or through
storm water pipes and outlets.
ALL STORM WATER ENDS UP UNTREATED IN OUR LOCAL WATERWAYS!
Why is storm water runoff important?
There are two main areas of concern for storm water runoff. The first is related to the volume and timing of the water runoff, flood control and water supply. The other issue relates to the potential contaminates that the storm water carries to our natural waterways, water pollution and habitat destruction.
As one of the first cities in the country to submit its application for the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, Norfolk implemented its
Environmental Storm Water Management Program and storm water
utility in July 1991. In the absence of federal and state funding, revenue for the Environmental Storm Water Management Program is derived primarily from storm water fees. The Division of Environmental Storm Water Management oversees the program.
Did You Know?
Norfolk's comprehensive program addresses the quality (pollution reduction) and quantity (flood control) of our storm water runoff, while meeting state and federal environmental regulations. Norfolk's storm water system consists of 349 miles of pipes,
137 miles of ditches (33 tidal), 13 storm water ponds, 10 storm water pump stations, and 1100 outfalls discharging to waterways.
Sources of Pollution
Water is essential for life. It is our most precious natural resource. Surface waters - such as rivers, lakes and the Chesapeake Bay - can easily become polluted. Both point and nonpoint sources contribute to water pollution. Storm water runoff comes from many diffuse (or nonpoint) sources.
Another Fact
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that at least 50 percent of our nation's water pollution is caused by storm water runoff.
Division of Environmental Storm Water Management | 757.823.4000
| 2233 McKann Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23509
