The City of Virginia Beach is comprised of 5 major watersheds: Lynnhaven, Oceanfront, Elizabeth River, Little Creek and Southern Rivers. The Southern Rivers Watershed is the largest, encompassing approximately 205 square miles in Virginia Beach or 67% of the area within the City limits. The Southern Rivers Watershed is made up of secondary watersheds called Back Bay, North Landing River, Northwest River, and Small Coastal South.
The Southern Rivers Watershed has significant environmental, ecological, and economic value as it is home to:
- A distinctive rural community
- The City’s Agricultural Industry
- Rivers and canals for navigation
- Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
- False Cape State Park
- Two State Waterfowl Management Areas
As such, Stormwater Management and Water Quality efforts are critical to maintaining the health of the ecosystem that
is the Southern Rivers Watershed.
City staff are currently assessing and addressing all facets of Stormwater in the Southern Rivers Watershed:
- Wind Tides
- Groundwater
- Sea Level Rise
- Stormwater Management
- Water Quality
- Marsh Resiliency
- Natural and Nature Based Features
As studies and reports are completed, they will be posted on this site.