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Stormwater

Stormwater Management and Resiliency

In a natural, undeveloped area, rain and snow falls on the ground and evaporates or is absorbed into the soil. In urban, developed areas such as Rockville, rain falls onto impervious surfaces like roads, driveways, roofs, and parking lots and “runs off,” flowing into the city’s storm drain system. This water is referred to as stormwater or stormwater runoff.

Stormwater runoff has been identified as the number one cause of pollution to creeks, streams, and rivers, which are the source of our drinking water. Not only is protecting water quality the right thing to do, it is also a requirement of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit issued to the city by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).

Climate change has also increased the frequency of intense rain events that contribute to flooding. Adapting our stormwater infrastructure and programs to meet the challenges of climate change is a key component of the resiliency goals in the city’s Climate Action Plan.

Stormwater runoff:

  • Pollutes our creeks and rivers with fertilizers, pesticides, pet waste, oil, litter, and sediment.
  • Destroys valuable aquatic, wetland, and riparian habitat.
  • Erodes stream banks and threatens public infrastructure.
  • Floods homes and businesses.

Stormwater and Watersheds

A watershed is an area of land where all the water, including stormwater and storm drains, flows to the lowest point—usually a stream, lake, or river. No matter where you live, work, or play, you’re in a watershed.

Stormwater runoff in Rockville flows through one of three watersheds: Cabin John Creek, Rock Creek, or Watts Branch. These streams then flow into the Potomac River, which then flows into the Chesapeake Bay. These waterways not only provide important habitat for plants and wildlife, but they are also the source of the city’s drinking water! Explore Rockville’s watersheds with the Watersheds Map.

How Rockville Manages Stormwater

The City of Rockville manages stormwater by regulating development in the city, and by planning, designing, building, and maintaining public stormwater infrastructure, such as stormwater pipes, inlets, and treatment facilities, to capture rainwater, decrease flooding, and reduce pollution. The Stormwater Management Utility Fee funds the city’s comprehensive stormwater program.

Stormwater Studies and Plans

The city conducts studies and plans of watersheds periodically to help make informed and strategic decisions about stormwater projects planned over the next several decades.
 
Planning ahead allows us to keep residents safe and informed on projects that reduce flooding and improve water quality. Based on the results of these studies, projects are prioritized based on need, severity, and funding. 
 
Project examples include:

  • Repairing and upgrading street and neighborhood stormwater culverts and pipes.
  • Retrofitting stormwater facilities.
  • Repairing and restoring streambanks and riparian areas.
  • Preserving and creating wetlands.
A shallow stream flows through a forest with bare trees and scattered rocks on a clear day.

Cabin John Creek Watershed Study

In 2011, the city contracted a watershed study designed to help prioritize projects and programmatic activities over the next ten years.
A landscaped median with mulch, ornamental grass, and a small tree runs along a street with shops and parked cars in the background.

Green Streets Study

The Phase 1 Green Streets Study, which began in spring 2016, is a proactive project to equip city staff with the information and guidance needed to pursue a successful green streets program. Green streets, or green infrastructure projects, are stormwater management facilities installed in the public right-of-way. Example green street practices include curb extensions or bump-outs, bioswales, bioretention, stormwater trees and tree filters, and permeable pavement installations.
A small waterfall flows over rocks into a shallow pool, surrounded by trees and greenery in a forested area.

Rock Creek Watershed Study

In 2013, the city completed a management plan to identifying additional stormwater management (SWM) opportunities and stream restoration projects, environmental site design opportunities and constraints for small-scale SWM features, and operational strategies that would complement the city’s ongoing watershed projects and operations.
A shallow stream flows through a wooded area with overhanging tree branches, scattered rocks, and patches of green grass along the banks.

Watts Branch Watershed Study

In 2015, the city assessed the Watts Branch watershed to understand the stream quality and to identify future stream erosion and water quality concerns.

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Contact

Public Works Department
Environmental Management Division
240-314-8870
environment@rockvillemd.gov

Hours
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Address
Taft Center
6 Taft Court
Rockville, MD 20850