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FAQs: Flooding

What if this is an emergency involving flooding?

How can I tell if it's a sanitary or storm sewer?

Who do I call about flooding due to a storm sewer?

Who do I call about flooding due to a sanitary sewer?


What if this is an emergency involving flooding?
For life threatening emergencies, such as flooding due to major storm events, dial 911.

For all sanitary sewer emergencies and after-hours storm sewer emergencies, call the 24-hour Trouble Response Center at 703-323-1211, TTY 703-239-8498, and state that you are reporting either a sanitary sewer or storm sewer emergency.

For storm sewer emergencies during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.), call the Maintenance & Stormwater Management Division at 703-934-2800, TTY 711.
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How can I tell if it's a sanitary or storm sewer?
The sanitary (wastewater) system is designed to collect sewage and direct it to a treatment facility. It is a "closed" pipe system accessible through manholes, many of which say "Fairfax County Sanitary Sewer." If flooding is due to backup from a floor drain in your home, especially if there is a sewage smell, it most likely involves a sanitary sewer.

The storm drainage system is designed to collect rain water and eventually direct it to major waterways such as the Potomac and Occoquan rivers, and eventually the Chesapeake Bay. It is an "open" system containing pipes, manholes, ditches, inlets at curbs, yard inlets, inlets and outlets to streams, etc. A storm sewer manhole often will say "Storm" or "VDOT."
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Who do I call about flooding due to a storm sewer?
If flooding involves a road, please call the Virginia Department of Transportation at 703-383-8368, TTY 711.

If flooding involves a house, other building or property, please call the Maintenance & Stormwater Management Division for assistance at 703-934-2800, TTY 711.

See also Storm Drainage and Stormwater Facilities and Floodplains for more information.
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Who do I call about flooding due to a sanitary sewer?
If flooding involves a sanitary sewer, please call the Wastewater Collection Division for assistance at 703-323-1211, TTY 703-239-8498.
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