“Water At Heart” is the City of Alexandria’s Stormwater Management Program comprised of various program elements and activities designed to reduce stormwater pollution and eliminate prohibited non-stormwater discharges through a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) municipal stormwater discharge permit. Mandated by Congress under the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II is a national program for addressing sources of stormwater discharges which adversely affect the quality of our nation’s waters.
Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground. Instead, it flows from rooftops, across paved areas, and through sloped lawns. As stormwater moves across these surfaces, it can pick up and carry along pollutants such as yard and pet waste, sediment, chemicals, oil, grease, and other possible contaminants. This water enters our community storm drains and flows directly, untreated, to our area lakes and wetlands. If stormwater is not managed, we are at risk of polluted stormwater degrading our lakes, wetlands and habitat for fish and water plants, as well as flooding our streets and basements during heavy rainfalls.
The City of Alexandria requires erosion control measures be taken to prevent sediment from washing into the streets, storm sewers, private property or water bodies. Construction, land development, and landscaping are examples of projects that must follow the standards for stormwater management and erosion control outlined in the City Code.
The purpose of this page (and the links to other sites) is to provide an educational opportunity for our citizens, contractors, and developers to be good stewards of our water resources. It highlights efforts by the City of Alexandria in stormwater management and provides a resource for compliance with Federal and State laws.
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