City of Staunton - Watershed Awareness

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.

08/28/2026

With fall around the corner, draining your pool may be on your to-do list soon. To protect our local streams, remember to dechlorinate first! To view our full list of swimming pool draining guidelines, click on the link below:

https://www.ci.staunton.va.us/home/showpublisheddocument/13816/639148848525900000

08/18/2026

Suspect an illicit discharge? Here is how to report it:

For non-emergencies:
Immediately call or email the stormwater hotline: (540) 213-6517
Email: [email protected]

For emergencies:
If a spill is large and/or potentially hazardous, immediately call the fire department: 911

For sanitary sewer overflows:
Call the Public Works after hours and emergency number:
540-332-3896

To learn more, visit our IDDE program page here: https://www.ci.staunton.va.us/departments/community-development/environmental-programs-division/illicit-discharge-detection-and-elimination-program

08/14/2026

Here is another tip: Only flush toilet paper down the toilet! How does this impact water quality? These 'DO NOT FLUSH' items listed below can cause blockages and sewer overflows. Sewer overflows can end up in our local streams. Help keep our community water clean by flushing ONLY toilet paper 👍

08/11/2026

Keep toxic chemicals out of our local waterways! Join us on September 12th to safely dispose of your household hazardous waste 👍

Household Hazardous Waste Day is coming up on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Waynesboro Facilities Shop (900 Essex Ave).

This is a free event for residents of Staunton, Augusta, and Waynesboro to safely dispose of items like oil-based paints, pesticides, gasoline, and propane tanks.

🛑 A few quick reminders:
• No business waste, unknown containers, or medications.
• No trailers are permitted.
• Water-based/latex paint is NOT hazardous and can be dried out and thrown in your normal trash.

Check out the full list of what is and isn’t accepted before you pack up your car: https://bit.ly/HHW2026Staunton