Public Works and Environmental Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our administrative offices are open 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mon - Fri
703-324-5500 TTY 711
12000 Government Center Parkway
Suite 449, Fairfax, Va 22035
Shannon Curtis
Chief, Watershed Assessment Branch

Nichol Run and Pond Branch Watersheds

nichol runLocation
The Nichol Run and Pond Branch watersheds (7.7 square miles and 8.4 square miles, respectively) are located in the northernmost part of Fairfax County and drain to the Potomac River, the source of drinking water for many residents.

Major Streams and Tributaries
Nichol Run: Major tributaries include Jefferson Branch and Harkney Branch as well as some unnamed streams. Several small streams that drain directly to the Potomac have been included in the Nichol Run Watershed for planning purposes.

Pond Branch: This watershed is made up of three smaller watersheds. Pond Branch itself is in the northernmost portion of the watershed. Clarks Branch is to the south and east, and Mine Run is to the south of that and meets the Potomac River at the upstream end of Great Falls.

Unique Features
River Bend Park and most of Great Falls Park are in the Pond Branch watershed.

Improvement Opportunities
The plans identify areas of opportunity for implementing both structural and non-structural improvement projects such as stream restorations, stormwater facility retrofits, community education and stewardship, streamside buffer enhancements and installation of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI). Proposed projects in the plans have recommended priorities. These lists should not be interpreted as specific implementation schedules or a guarantee that the project will be implemented through the planned Capital Improvement Program (CIP). A full list of active or completed Stormwater projects is available online on at Stormwater Improvement Projects or through Jade (Fairfax County's Comprehensive Mapping Application).

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