Protecting water quality is critical to the health of the environment in Stafford County, as it is situated within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Stafford County’s Environmental Division promotes and s

Protecting water quality is critical to the health of the environment in Stafford County, as it is situated within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Stafford County’s Environmental Division promotes and supports the placement of storm drain markers on stormwater infrastructure inlets. Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) and Stafford County collaborate to identify storm drains without metal markers that are marked "No Dumping" or "Drains to Waterways.”There will be a storm drain marking volunteer opportunity on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 9 am to noon in the Potomac Hills community. You can sign up at https://riverfriends.org/product/april-drain-marking/. No experience is necessary to participate, as the Friends of the Rappahannock group will provide training. All materials, such as markers, adhesives and gloves, will be provided to mark the storm drains.In an effort to reduce pollution, storm drain marking aims to educate the public that everything that goes down these drains ends up in the river and Bay. When it rains, stormwater that moves through properties and streets does not infiltrate into the ground; instead, it flows into surface water, carrying any debris along the way. Surfaces in urban areas collect pollutants, such as automobile oil, grease, brake pad dust and sediment from construction sites, bacteria from animal waste, excess lawn care fertilizers and pesticides. Rainfall containing these pollutants is carried to nearby drinking water supplies, waterways, beaches and properties.If you see any unmarked drains on private roads and neighborhoods, you can submit them to the Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) by filling out a form. FOR will coordinate all details and provide supplies for chosen eligible projects. Once completed, Stafford County will collect the data on marked drains through this survey.For more information on Stafford County’s Storm Drain Marking Program, visit https://www.staffordcountyva.gov/government/departments_p-z/public_works/community_development/environmental/stormwater_management/storm_drain_marking_program.php.