City of Staunton - Watershed Awareness

10/13/2026

This week, we’re highlighting the rain barrel!

Rain barrels are a small, simple stormwater best management practice (BMP) that collect roof runoff directly from a downspout. By storing rainwater for later outdoor use, rain barrels prevent stormwater runoff from picking up pollutants, and help reduce erosion and flooding.

10/06/2026

The BMP of the week is rain gardens! Rain gardens are vegetated depressions that collect stormwater runoff and allow the water to infiltrate into the ground, be absorbed by plants, or evaporate. Native plantings with deep root systems help with infiltration while filtering out pollutants—and pollinators love them too!

09/29/2026

This week, we are highlighting permeable pavement!
As an alternative to traditional pavement, this Best Management Practice (BMP) allows stormwater runoff to seep through the surface to be temporarily stored or infiltrated. Not only does permeable pavement significantly reduce runoff, but it also improves water quality by filtering out pollutants. It’s a great option for parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, and patios.

09/21/2026

This week's Best Management Practice is the underground detention system. Hidden beneath the surface, this BMP captures stormwater and temporarily stores it before slowly releasing it to help prevent downstream flooding and erosion.

09/14/2026

This fall, we're highlighting a stormwater Best Management Practice (BMP) each week! These BMPs are often hidden in plain sight, so this educational series will help you spot them and understand how they manage water quality and/or quantity.

We’re kicking off the series with the Filterra Unit! This compact bioretention system filters pollutants through engineered soil media, while the tree inside acts as a living filter. 🌳

09/08/2026

After observing recent summer storms, city staff have lowered the alert thresholds for the Gypsy Hill Park flood sensor. Originally, this sensor was calibrated to give a heads-up about potential downstream flooding, beyond the park, that could affect homes and businesses. However, recent heavy rainfall showed that while downstream areas stayed clear, Gypsy Hill Park experienced localized flooding. This park flooding is by design. The recent stream restoration project successfully reconnected the stream to its natural floodplain to help manage heavy water flow.

Because the park will naturally hold water during major storms, we want the sensor to let people know when the park itself is flooding. Current subscribers to the Gypsy Hill Park sensor will now receive notifications at lower water levels, giving you an earlier heads-up. Other downstream sensors are still positioned to monitor flood risks beyond the park.

To subscribe for local flood alerts, please visit our flood awareness system page here: https://stauntonva.onerain.com/

09/04/2026

Don't forget! Household Hazardous Waste Day is about a week away!

09/03/2026

Staunton City Council recently adopted the Flood Resilience Plan! Many thanks to all who participated in the listening sessions and/or shared input to help us build a more resilient community. To view this plan, visit our website here: https://www.ci.staunton.va.us/departments/community-development/environmental-programs-division/flood-resilience-plan

Thank you to everyone who attended a listening session or shared flooding experiences with us over the past year.
https://bit.ly/FloodResiliencePlanAdopted
That input was very important to the final product!

Staunton City Council has officially adopted the city's first Flood Resilience Plan. This practical guide focuses on smart land use, modern science, and nature-based solutions to keep our community safe. Crucially, it also opens the door to outside grant dollars to help fund future mitigation projects.