Town of Vienna, VA
Home MenuProtecting the Chesapeake Bay
The Town of Vienna is part of the Potomac River watershed and thus the larger Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Rain that falls on the northern and eastern sides of Vienna enters Piney Branch or Wolftrap Creek, both of which flow into Difficult Run, draining into the Potomac River. Rain that falls on the southwestern side of Vienna enters Bear Branch or Hunters Branch. Both flow into Accotink Creek, which also drains into the Potomac River.
At the heart of keeping the Chesapeake Bay clean and protecting the Town’s waterways are robust stormwater infrastructure and management initiatives.
Stormwater information and concerns
To report an environmental concern, please email or call 703-255-6380.
To learn more about the Town’s stormwater management programs visit the following pages:
- For information about the Town’s watershed and flood plains, view the Vienna Watersheds and Flood Plains map.
- Visit for information on Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) Floodplain.
- See a map of Town of Vienna Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas.
- For information about Fairfax County stormwater management, visit the Fairfax County website.
- For information about preventing stormwater runoff pollution, visit the Northern Virginia Clean Water Partners website.
- Learn more about our Salt Management Strategy (SaMS) - Winter Salt Smart is a regional effort to reduce the environmental impacts of winter maintenance practices.
How residents can help
As Town urbanization and street construction increased, a network of inlets, pipes, and outlets was installed to direct rainwater into the nearest local stream. Because this pipe system is not connected to a water treatment facility, it is very important that nothing except rainwater enters the system through inlets located near homes. Residents can report illegal discharges into the stormwater drainage system and illegal dumping into local streams by calling 703-255-6380 or by opening a service request online.
Do not put the following into stormwater inlets:
- fertilizer
- grass
- grease
- leaves
- motor oil
- pet waste
- other debris and materials
Volunteer opportunities
Potomac Watershed Clean-Up Day: Interested in volunteering to help protect our streams and watersheds? The parks and recreation department participates in the annual Potomac Watershed Clean-Up Day held in mid-April and accepts volunteers throughout the year.
Vienna stream contamination
The Town does its best to safeguard local stream quality, but residents should exercise caution when engaging in recreation in and around these waterways. Using streams for recreational purposes, such as swimming and wading, should be avoided due to the risk of ingesting stream water or possible contamination of open wounds by stream water.
Local streams and parks are among many features that make the Town of Vienna a great hometown. However, any open, unprotected body of water is subject to pollution from illegal dumping, sewer line breaks, pesticide and herbicide contamination from stormwater runoff, and wildlife and domestic animal waste.
Please review the Virginia Department of Health information on tips to safely enjoy natural waters.
Virginia Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
Mandated by Congress under the Clean Water Act and implemented in Virginia by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the purpose of this program is to protect water quality from urban stormwater pollution.
Stormwater runoff in urban areas may contain sediment, fertilizers, pesticides, bacteria, motor oil and other pollutants generated by various land uses and human activities. When left uncontrolled, pollution can impair or destroy fish, wildlife and aquatic life habitats; reduce aesthetic value; and threaten public safety and health.
The Town's stormwater system is operated under a state permit per requirements of 4VAC50-60, "General Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) Permit for Discharges of Stormwater from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS-4).” The Town originally was issued an MS-4 permit in 2003 (Permit VAR040066). The current, five-year permit expires Oct. 31, 2023.
MS4 Coverage Letter and Permit
Public Outreach & Education Plan
Final Phase II Chesapeake Bay TMDL Action Plan
Chloride TMDL Action Plan for Accotink Creek
Email the Department of Public Works or call 703-255-6380 for additional information regarding the Town's MS4 program plan, public input or program-related concerns. Send written correspondence to:
Town of Vienna, DPW
127 Center Street S
Vienna, VA 22180
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