Ditch Maintenance
Roadside Ditches: Your Partner in Stormwater Management
Roadside ditches are more than just low spots along our streets – they're essential infrastructure that protects Norfolk homes and neighborhoods from flooding while managing stormwater runoff throughout our community.
What is a Roadside Ditch?
A roadside ditch is a shallow V-shaped channel, typically located between the street and private property, designed to collect and direct stormwater runoff. These ditches may be grassed or lined with other vegetative materials and often connect to larger drainage systems including storm drains, culverts, and waterways.
How Ditches Protect Our Community
Roadside ditches serve as the first line of defense in Norfolk's comprehensive stormwater management system. They perform several critical functions:
Flood Prevention: Ditches collect rainwater from streets, driveways, and surrounding areas, preventing water from pooling on roadways or flowing toward homes and businesses.
Water Quality Protection: As stormwater flows through ditches, grass and soil naturally filter pollutants, sediment, and debris before water reaches our local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.
Erosion Control: By channeling water flow in a controlled manner, ditches prevent erosion that could damage roads, sidewalks, and private property.
System Integration: Ditches work together with storm drains, pipes, and retention areas to move water safely through Norfolk's neighborhoods and into appropriate discharge points.
Shared Responsibility: Working Together
Proper ditch maintenance requires partnership between Norfolk residents and the City.. When everyone does their part, our stormwater system works effectively to protect the entire community.
Your Responsibilities as a Property Owner
If a ditch runs along your property, you play an important role in keeping it functioning properly:
Keep Grass Cut: Regular mowing maintains proper water flow and prevents overgrowth that can block drainage. Well-maintained grass also helps filter stormwater naturally.
Remove Trash and Litter: Clear any debris, litter, or foreign objects from the ditch. Even small items can accumulate and create blockages during heavy rainfall.
Clear Leaves and Debris: Especially during fall months, remove fallen leaves, branches, and organic debris that could obstruct water flow or create temporary dams.
Avoid Dumping: Never dispose of yard waste, chemicals, oil, or other materials in ditches. These can harm water quality and create blockages.
City of Norfolk's Responsibilities
The City handles specialized maintenance that requires equipment, expertise, and coordination across the broader drainage network:
Driveway Pipe Flushing: Regular cleaning and flushing of culvert pipes under driveways to ensure unobstructed water flow between ditch sections.
Major Regrading: Regrading ditches when needed to restore proper slope and water flow, typically after settling, erosion, or damage.
System Repairs: Fixing damaged pipes, culverts, or other infrastructure components that connect to the ditch system.
Drainage Assessments: Evaluating ditch performance and making improvements to address drainage issues or accommodate development changes.
Protecting Our Waterways Together
Every ditch in Norfolk is connected to our larger watershed, ultimately flowing to local creeks, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay. By maintaining ditches properly, we're not just preventing flooding – we're protecting the water quality that supports our economy, recreation, and environment.
Your efforts to keep ditches clean and well-maintained make a difference in protecting Norfolk's neighborhoods and preserving our natural resources for future generations.
For questions about roadside ditch maintenance or to report drainage concerns, use MyNorfolk, or contact Norfolk Cares at 757-664-6510 or healthyneighborhoods@norfolk.gov.