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City of Alexandria, VA

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  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
      • Pets
      • Recreation
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care Assistance
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Resources
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective service:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
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  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
      • Demographics & Statistics
      • Maps & GIS
      • Visit Alexandria
    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Historic Property Rentals
      • Museums & Historic Sites
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
      • Office of the Arts
    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Office of the Arts
      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront Parks
      • ParkLink Interactive Map
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

      • Group Tours
      • Meet in Alexandria
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Trip Planning Assistance
      • Visitor Center
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  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

      • Missed Collection
      • Parking
      • Potholes
      • Street Cleaning
      • Trash & Recycling Containers
      • Trees
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
    • Animals

      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
      • Animal Control
      • Dog Parks
    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
      • City Code
      • Code Administration
      • Green Building
      • Land Use & Zoning
      • Permit Center
      • Permits & Land Use Applications
    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

      • Air Quality
      • Clean Waterways
      • Climate Change
      • Eco-City Alexandria
      • Green Building
      • Mosquito Control
      • Noise Control
      • Rodent Control
      • Stormwater Management
    • Jobs
      • City Government Jobs
      • Alexandria City Public Schools
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
      • Open Data
      • Standard Maps
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Transportation Planning
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  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • BIPOC Small Business Program
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
      • Business Licenses
      • Business Outdoor Program & Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Permit Center
      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Lodging Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
      • GO Alex Commuter Resources
      • Parking in Alexandria
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  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

      • City Council Calendar
      • Communicate with City Council
      • Council Assignments
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Speak at a Meeting
    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Apply for a Board or Commission
      • Boards & Commission Calendar
      • Boards & Commission Vacancies
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • Planning Commission
      • Park & Recreation Commission
      • Transportation Commission
    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

      • City Government Departments & Offices
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
      • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA)
      • Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)
      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
      • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Visit Alexandria (Official Tourism Site)
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Police Department
      • Fire Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Courts
      • Office of Emergency Management
      • Emergency & Customer Communications
      • Community Policing Review Board
    • Elected Officials

      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

      • City Council
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • Commonwealth's Attorney
      • Sheriff
      • Voting in Alexandria
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards & Commissions
      • City of Alexandria Academy Programs
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Transparency

      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

      • Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Performance Analytics
      • Alexandria's Strategic Plan
      • Race & Social Equity
      • Community Policing Review Board
      • Collective Bargaining
      • City Code
      • Open Data
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  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

    • Arts & Culture

      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

      • Arts & Culture Master Plan
      • Public Art Implementation Plan
    • Development

      Information about commercial and residential development projects in the City.

      • Landmark/Van Dorn Area Planning
      • North Potomac Yard Implementation / Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
      • Potomac River Generating Station Redevelopment
    • Environmental

      Information about environmental and "green" projects in the City.

      • 500 Block N. Pitt St. Sewer Separation Project
      • Flood Action Alexandria
      • Franklin St. Sewer Relocation Project
      • Holmes Run Trail Repairs
      • Lucky Run Stream Restoration
      • Oronoco Outfall Remediation Project
      • Wheeler Ave. Sanitary Sewer Pipe Relining
      • Windmill Hill Park Project - Phase II
    • Neighborhoods

      Information about neighborhood projects in the City.

      • Alexandria West Planning
      • Curb Extension at W. Reed Ave. and Edison St. Project - Phase I
      • Duke Street and West Taylor Run Project
      • Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail Station Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
      • King-Callahan-Russell Intersection Improvement Project
      • Mount Vernon Avenue North Complete Streets
      • Polk Ave. Sidewalk Project
    • Parks & Recreation

      Information about parks and recreation projects in the City.

      • Beauregard Street Multi-Use Trail Project
      • Bicycle Parking
      • Eugene Simpson Park Renovation Projects
      • Joseph Hensley Park Renovation
      • Old Cameron Run Trail Project
      • Robinson Terminal South Update: Historic Ship Stabilization
    • Public Facilities

      Information about public facilities projects in the City.

      • Alexandria Waterfront
      • King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project
      • Municipal Broadband
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
    • Social Services

      Information about social services projects and plans in the City.

      • Aging and Adult Services
      • Early Care & Education Common Agenda
      • The Partnership to Prevent & End Homelessness
    • Transportation

      Information about transportation projects and plans in and around the City.

      • Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
      • Alexandria Mobility Plan
      • Complete Streets
      • Duke Street in Motion
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
      • Smart Mobility
      • Traffic Mitigation
      • Vision Zero
      • West End Transitway
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  • Calendar

    There's always something to do in Alexandria! Browse community events, government meetings and activities, and important deadlines.

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Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit

Alexandria’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requires the City to prevent the discharge of pollutants into our streams and waterbodies.
Page updated on March 21, 2023 at 3:51 PM

Stormwater Management

  • Stormwater Quality
  • Flood Action Alexandria
  • Flooding & Drainage
  • Stormwater Utility Fee
  • Stream Restoration
  • Chesapeake Bay
  • Sanitary Sewers
  • Illicit Discharges

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The federal Clean Water Act of 1970 outlines the NPDES stormwater requirements which are implemented by the Commonwealth of Virginia through the Virginia Pollution Discharge Elimination System (VPDES). The City of Alexandria operates under a VPDES permit associated with the underground stormwater conveyance system which is known as our Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. 

About Stormwater Management

The City has long been proactive in its efforts to control stormwater pollution. During the development of Alexandria's Stormwater Management Plan, the City engaged in an extensive assessment of existing stormwater management options, ordinances, and programming and evaluated them against National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) compliance requirements. The City has incorporated these elements into its current stormwater management program.

Controlling Stormwater Pollution

Alexandria has been pro-active in controlling pollution in stormwater runoff for many years. The City’s Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance actually predates Virginia law and regulations.

Article XIII of the City Zoning Ordinance contains the provisions of both the Virginia Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act and the Virginia Stormwater Management Act, making the City’s developer best management practices (BMP)* program one of the most rigorous ones in the state. Over 1,000 acres of the City have been placed under developer-constructed BMP control since the ordinance was passed in 1992. 

Alexandria has also taken the lead in Northern Virginia in the development and employment of BMPs, which meet the needs of the "Ultra-Urban Environment" (a term that was coined by our staff in 1991). For several years, the City’s Alexandria Supplement to the Northern Virginia BMP Handbook was the only reference available on treating stormwater pollution in heavily built-up areas, and the City has sold hundreds of copies to jurisdictions all over the U.S. and as far distant as Australia and New Zealand. Of the over 535 BMPs installed within the City, most are either intermittent sand filters or bioretention filters.  New state regulations for development require design to meet state criteria.

Working with information provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, City staff has also published a Best Management Practices Manual for Automotive Related Industries. Compliance with the manual is required of all such businesses that require a Special Use Permit (SUP) by placing appropriate conditions on their SUPs.

* A term used to describe measures to prevent or remove pollution from stormwater runoff. Facilities to remove pollution from runoff, such as wet ponds, detention facilities, infiltration facilities, sand filters, and "bioretention facilities" are known as "structural BMPs." 

Program Recognition

The City of Alexandria's Phase II MS4 Program is recognized by the Water Environment Federation's (WEF) National Municipal Stormwater and Green Infrastructure Awards Program. Visit  WEF's MS4 Awards for more information on the awards program. 

2022 Recognitions

Gold recognition for Innovation
Silver recognition for Program Management

2021 Recognitions

Phase II Innovation Winner
Silver recognition for Program Management
Gold recognition for Innovation

2020 Recognitions

Phase II Program Management Winner
Silver recognition for Innovation
Gold recognition for Program Management

2019 Recognitions

Phase II Overall Winner
Silver recognition for Innovation
Gold recognition for Program Management

2018 Recognitions

Phase II Winner in Innovation and Overall Highest Score
Silver recognition for Innovation
Gold recognition for Program Management

2017 Recognitions

Phase II Winner in Program Management
Gold recognition for Innovation
Gold recognition for Program Management

2015 Recognitions

Phase II Winner for Innovation
Gold recognition for Program Management
Gold recognition for Innovation

MS4 General Permit and Stormwater Program Plan

Per the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit and Coverage Letter effective November 2018 - October 2023 issued under the Virginia Pollution Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) regulations, the City is required to control stormwater pollution to the maximum extent practicable and to develop a MS4 Program Plan.  Under previous permit cycles, the City’s initial plan was developed in 2003 and was revised in 2008, 2013, 2019, and 2020.  The permit contains Six Minimum Control Measures (MCMs):

  • MCM 1: Public Education and Outreach
  • MCM 2: Public Involvement and Participation
  • MCM 3: Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
  • MCM 4: Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
  • MCM 5: Post-Construction Stormwater Management for New Development and Development on Prior Developed Lands
  • MCM 6: Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Facilities Owned or Operated by the Permittee within the MS4

The City has developed appropriate and effective Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control stormwater pollution to the maximum extent practicable. The 2018-2023 MS4 Program Plan details how the City is addressing the special condition related to the Chesapeake Bay requirements and the MCMs, with an overview provided below.  If you would like to provide input on the MS4 Program Plan or have questions related to the plan, please email MS4ProgramPlan@alexandriava.gov.    

Local TMDL Action Plans

As required under the MS4 permit, the City updated the local TMDL action plan for bacteria  in 2020 and made updates in 2022 based on VDEQ feedback. The local TMDL action plan for  PCBs  was updated in 2020. VA DEQ provided their letter of Acceptance in 2022. These updates are incorporated into the 2018-2023 MS4 Program Plan, above. Please see the City's TMDL webpage for more information on TMDLs. 

MS4 Annual Reports

Under the MS4 permit regulations, the City is required to submit an annual report to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).  The report provides details of the pollution control measures the City performs as part of the MS4 Program to meet or exceed the control measures (MCMs) of the MS4 permit.  The City is required to keep all annual reports online for the current permit. 

  • The following annual report covers the July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 reporting period.
    Alexandria MS4 Annual Report 2021-2022
  • The following annual report covers the July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 reporting period.
    Alexandria MS4 Annual Report 2020-2021
  • The following annual report covers the July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 reporting period.
    Alexandria MS4 Annual Report 2019-2020 and Appendix A Part I, Appendix A Part II, Appendix B, Appendix C, Appendix D, Appendix E, Appendix F, Appendix G
  • The following annual report covers the July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 reporting period.
    Alexandria MS4 Annual Report 2018-2019
  • The following annual report covers the July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 reporting period.
    Alexandria MS4 PY5 Annual Report 2017-2018
  • The following annual report covers the July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 reporting period.
    Alexandria MS4 PY4 Annual Report 2016-2017
  • The following annual report covers the July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 reporting period.
    Alexandria MS4 PY3 Annual Report 2015-2016
  • The following annual report covers the July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015 reporting period.
    Alexandria MS4 PY2 Annual Report 2014-2015 
  • The following annual report covers the July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014 reporting period.
    Alexandria MS4 PY1 Annual Report Main Body
    Alexandria MS4 PY1 Annual Report AppendixA 
    Alexandria MS4 PY1 Annual Report AppendixB 
    Alexandria MS4 PY1 Annual Report AppendixC 
    Alexandria MS4 PY1 Annual Report AppendixD 
    Alexandria MS4 PY1 Annual Report AppendixE
    Alexandria MS4 PY1 Annual Report AppendixF

Public Education and Outreach

The City strives to educate and inform the public on the importance of our local waterways, watersheds, and stormwater related issues.

Signs have been placed throughout the City along roadways at major stream crossings to inform the public on the names of local streams and their associated watershed.  A bilingual “no dumping” message is included on  Storm Drain Markers placed on inlets and storm drains throughout the City to prevent the dumping of trash, oil, dog waste, etc. into the drain.

City staff is available for presentations and other educational outreach opportunities for community groups, school age children, and adults.  If you are interested in stormwater education and outreach opportunities call the Stormwater Management Division at 703.746.6499. 

Public Involvement and Participation

You can make a difference in the health of local streams and waterways by reducing pollution, getting involved in local events, and reporting pollution problems or concerns. Stormwater flows into our streams with little or no treatment to remove pollutants.  Therefore, pollution prevention is critical to the health of our streams.  There are simple steps you can take around your home or business that will have a positive impact on the health of the waterways in Alexandria.

Your involvement is the key to a successful stormwater management program. There are many ways citizens can get involved: 

  • Dispose of waste properly at the  Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Collection Center
  • Participate in (or organize your own!) stream cleanups (sign up for  Environmental News for the latest events)
  • Participate in Earth Day 
  • Attend  Environmental Policy Commission Meetings
  • Participate in the  Yard Waste Recycling Program 
    • Curbside Lead Collection
    • Composting
    • Grasscycling
    • Christmas Tree Collection
    • Spring Leaf & Wood Mulch Program 
  • Visit the Eco-City Alexandria webpage for upcoming events

If you have questions or comments, please contact the Stormwater Management Division at 703-746-6499. 

Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

Because the storm sewer system is not treated, only stormwater is allowed in the storm sewer system.  An illicit (also called illegal) discharge is any discharge to the storm sewer system that is not entirely stormwater.  There are some exceptions, like groundwater, that are allowed under the MS4 permit.

Non-stormwater discharges to the storm sewer system are usually due to illegal dumping or illegal connections to the storm sewer system.  Please visit the illegal discharges page to learn more about our streams and what you can do to help. 

If you have any concerns about illicit or illegal discharges originating from improper disposal of items, spills, land disturbing activities, or other potential stormwater pollution concerns,  or if you suspect a problem or notice something suspicious (water that is an unusual color, is cloudy, and/or has a strong smell) please contact the Stormwater Management Division at 703-746-6499 or use Contact Us to submit your concern.    

Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control

Controlling sediment and debris at construction sites is crucial to protecting the environment, mitigating flooding by keeping this material out of our streams and the storm drain system, and ensuring safer travel by keeping mud out of the streets. 

The City's efforts to control stormwater runoff from construction sites are derived from the State's Erosion & Sediment Control Program and Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.  The City requires any construction project that disturbs 2,500 square feet or more to have an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.  Additionally, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the City Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) requires the project to have a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) related to the General Permit for Discharges from Construction Activities.  Once the SWPPP is prepared, a registration statement for coverage under the VSMP Construction General Permit must be submitted to the City.  The links below can help get you started: 

  • City of Alexandria Permit Center
  • City of Alexandria Transportation & Environmental Services Department Permits
  • DEQ Construction General Permit 
  • Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act 
  • City of Alexandria Environmental Management Ordinance 
  • City of Alexandria Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance 
  • Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) 
  • Have you seen erosion or other pollutants discharging from a construction site? Report it online

For more information on Erosion and Sediment Control at construction sites, contact the Construction and Inspection Division at 703-746-4035. 

Post-Construction Stormwater Management Regulations

Post-construction runoff control is required in areas that are part of the development or redevelopment process.  The City has long required that development and redevelopment projects implement stormwater facility Best Management Practices (BMPs) to minimize the pollutants and runoff to the City's streams.  

Ongoing maintenance of BMPs is required to ensure that they continue to function as designed.  Failure to properly maintain BMPs can result in fines of up to $32,500 per day per violation.  After a development is complete, the responsibility for maintenance is passed on to the owners of the development, such as a homeowners association, through the BMP Maintenance agreement.  It is very important that property owners understand their obligations for the maintenance and inspection of BMPs.

The City can help BMP owners / operators understand their maintenance obligations and can provide technical guidance for inspecting and maintaining BMPs.  The links below can help get you started: 

  • Alexandria Supplement to Northern VA BMP Handbook
    • Chapter 1 
    • Chapter 2 
    • Chapter 3 
    • Chapter 4 
    • Glossary 
  • Virginia Stormwater BMP Clearinghouse 
  • Northern Virginia BMP Handbook 
  • Stormwater Management / BMP Facilities Operation and Maintenance Agreement 
  • Stormwater Management / BMP Maintenance Schedule and Guidelines 
  • BMP Contractor Vendor List 

For more information, contact the Stormwater Management Division at 703-746-6499. 

Pollution Prevention for Municipal Activities

The City also evaluates its own operations to minimize stormwater pollution and protect water quality.  This includes performing assessments of City facilities and providing pollution prevention and good housekeeping training for relevant City employees to ensure good practices are used on City construction and maintenance projects.  In addition, the City requires contractors working for the City to implement pollution prevention and good housekeeping measures on City projects.  The City has developed Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) for its Transportation and Environmental Services operations facilities.

For more information, contact the Stormwater Management Division at 703-746-6499. 

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