Study Background

The Westlawn neighborhood was built in the 1950s on top of a buried stream. The neighborhood uses a private system of stormwater pipes that are over 70 years old. This study started because residents have reported flooding problems in streets, yards, and inside homes. The County is doing this study in order to find solutions for a stronger, more reliable stormwater system that helps reduce flooding, protect homes, and support the community’s ability to recover long-term.

Study Location

The study is in the Falls Church area. It is located south of Arlington Boulevard, north of Westlawn Drive and east of Wayne Road. 

The study area is shown in black. 

Study Description

As part of Fairfax County’s Flood Risk Reduction Policy, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES), Stormwater Planning Division, has partnered with GKY & Associates, WSP USA, and Triad Engineering to conduct a Neighborhood Stormwater Improvement Study (NSIS) in the Westlawn community.

The main goals of the study are:

• See if the pipes are in good condition and working properly.
• Educate residents about ways to prepare for future flooding.
• Develop a long-term plan to keep the stormwater pipes working and reduce flood risk.

The study team actions include:

• Inspect about 6,000 feet of underground stormwater pipes and develop a computer model to show how stormwater moves through the study area.
• Present findings on the stormwater system condition and how often flooding happens and find possible solutions.
• Work with community members to learn about their experiences and determine the next steps to improve stormwater management and lower flooding risk.

Study Phase

The study is currently in the phase where we review system capacity and build models. County staff and consultants are examining the stormwater pipes and flooding issues in the neighborhood.  They will then build models of what they find and present them to the community. No decisions will be made about construction or next steps until after this study and conversations with the community are complete.

Timeline

The project study will run through late 2027.

Study Cost and Funding Source

The Westlawn NSIPS is funded at $992,000. 

Money for future design and construction (such as repairing or replacing pipes or building new flood control features) is not yet guaranteed. It will depend on future county budgets and funding decisions. Stormwater projects like this are paid for through the county’s Stormwater Service District.

What to Expect

County and consultant staff will be doing field work in the Westlawn community during the study. They will be walking, collecting data, and taking measurements and photos of outfalls, pipes, manholes, easements, and related facilities. Contractors may use tools with metal rods and equipment to help them inspect stormwater pipes and flooding areas.

If county or consultant staff in the field need to access private properties, they will ask for verbal permission on the day access is needed. The team will engage with residents throughout the study to learn about their experiences with stormwater and flooding in the study area, get their input and share study results.

Study Resources

• Sign Up to Get Involved:
  • English
  • Espanol
• Report a Problem
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Be Flood Ready and Resilient

Presentations to the Community

Westlawn Neighborhood Stormwater Improvement Study – May 2026 Civic Association Meeting

Contact

For more information please email Project Manager Charles Smith at Stormwater Planning Division, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, or call 703-324-5802, TTY 711.