Program Description
Watershed Restoration
The Watershed Restoration Division leads the County's efforts to improve stream health and water quality through the targeted planning, design, construction, inspection, and maintenance of best management practices (BMP) built to manage stormwater runoff. The Watershed Restoration Division supports watershed-based monitoring and reporting to achieve County stream protection goals (Montgomery County Code Chapter 19, Article IV) and complies with the Federal Clean Water Act NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. Staff conduct baseline stream monitoring, storm drain discharge monitoring, and public outreach activities that increase awareness and promote citizen involvement in stream stewardship. The program also assesses land development impacts on water resources and the effectiveness of BMPs that mitigate those impacts within the County's designated "Special Protection Areas." The Division implements programs to extend stewardship and BMPs beyond streams and facilities by targeting private property owners. These programs include Tree Montgomery (Chapter 55, Article 3), RainScapes, and Pet Waste. The Division oversees the carry-out bag tax program, which helps address issues with litter in streams.
The Watershed Restoration Division successfully implements these programs through extensive partnerships with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources; Maryland Department of the Environment; Maryland Department of Agriculture; Montgomery County Public Schools; Montgomery County Department of Transportation; Montgomery County Department of General Services; Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission; the Towns of Chevy Chase, Kensington, Somerset and Poolesville; the Villages of Chevy Chase and Friendship Heights; watershed organizations; homeowner associations; businesses; and private property owners. The long-term goal is to protect and improve water resources for Montgomery County residents and the Chesapeake Bay.
Revenue for this program is generated by the Water Quality Protection Charge, applied to all residential and non-residential properties except for those owned by the State and County Governments and those in the incorporated cities of Gaithersburg, Rockville, and Takoma Park. Revenue from the carry-out bag tax is also provided to support these programs.