Project Background

The Westlawn neighborhood was built in the 1950s on top of a buried stream. It uses a private system of stormwater pipes that are now more than 70 years old. This project started because residents have reported flooding problems. Many people said that water was flooding streets, yards, and even getting into homes. The county has already helped two homeowners protect their houses from flooding. Now, this larger project has been added to the county’s work plan for Fiscal Year 2026.

Project Description

As part of Fairfax County’s Flood Risk Reduction Policy, and because of repeated flooding complaints and a past County project to protect homes from flooding, staff from the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services are doing a Neighborhood Stormwater Improvement Project Study (NSIPS) in the Westlawn community.

The main goals of the study are:

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

The project team actions include:

• A County consultant, GKY & Associates, will inspect and analyze about 6,000 feet of underground private stormwater pipes to see what repairs or improvements are needed.
• They will complete an NSIPS for the roughly 80-acre neighborhood to understand flooding problems and identify possible solutions.
• County staff and consultants will work with community members to learn about their experiences and create a plan to improve how stormwater is carried away and to lower the risk of flooding.

Project Location

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

The project area is shown in orange. 

Project Phase

The project is currently in the study phase. County staff and consultants are examining the stormwater pipes and flooding issues in the neighborhood. They will also speak with residents to learn about their experiences and discuss possible solutions. 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 spring 2027. 

What to Expect

County and consultant staff will be doing survey 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 staff or contractor survey teams need to access private properties, they will ask for verbal permission on the day access is needed.

Community meetings and surveys will also be held so residents can share their experiences and ideas about flooding and possible solutions.

Project 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.

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.