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Why were these areas chosen? Each study area is a “sewershed” – that is, a well-defined area served by a particular network of sewer pipes. The storm drain network in each neighborhood empties into Rock Creek (a requirement of grant funding). For comparison, one combined sewer system (CSS) and one municipal separated storm sewer system (MS4) sewershed are included in the study. Each area has easily-accessed single points in which to measure water flow.

MacFarland aerial view	Lafayette aerial view

Other factors in the decision included street work already planned by D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT), and that the areas are small enough to make a measurable difference in stormwater management, and yet large enough to generate a "Wow!" factor when the landscaping and streetscaping is done.

Together, MacFarland and Lafayette represent typical District residential neighborhoods.  This means that results from the RiverSmart Washington study could be replicated in neighborhoods across the District.

MacFarland Area

Historic Petworth is one of DC’s older neighborhoods, first developed in the mid-1800s, and then densely populated after the streetcar line expanded north along Georgia Avenue.

The residential architecture is primarily brick row houses built in the 1920s and 1930s.  Most homes have small front and back yards, and many have separate garages or sheds along back alleys.  The commercial stretch along Georgia Avenue is a vibrant mix of restaurants, houses of worship, office and apartment buildings, social service agencies, a convenience store, and a flower shop.  Public space includes a middle school, a high school, and a library parking lot.

Runoff from this study area drains into Piney Branch, a small creek that flows into Rock Creek from the east side of Rock Creek Park.  As one of the older DC neighborhoods, Petworth has a combined sewer system -- just a single pipe carries both wastewater and stormwater.

When it rains heavily, the single pipe isn’t big enough to handle the volume.  Rather than have  this combined water back up into homes and streets, the overflow is sent directly into Piney Branch, and on into Rock Creek.  This combined sewer overflow, or CSO, occurs every time there is an intense rainstorm – even less than one inch of rain!

DC Water is working to reduce CSOs into local waterways.  The agency has implemented a large-scale plan to separate sewer pipes and eliminate  CSO outfalls along Rock Creek, the Potomac and Anacostia rivers. The goal is reduce CSOs overall by 96% by the year 2025.

MacFarland property owners can take action today by adopting RiverSmart Washington landscaping and reducing stormwater flow into Rock Creek.

MacFarland Area Map

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Lafayette Area

The Lafayette study area is situated west of Rock Creek, in the Chevy Chase DC neighborhood.  The area was developed in the early 1900s, following expansion of the streetcar line into nearby Maryland.  It consists entirely of single-family homes on large lots with separate garages along alleys.  There is one public recreation center.  Fairly steep slopes characterize many yards, alleys and blocks.  The area has a generous canopy of old street trees, and many properties feature lush landscaping.

The neighborhood drains into Broad Branch, a tributary of Rock Creek on the west side of Rock Creek Park.  As one of the newer parts of the city, it is on the municipal separate storm system, with separate pipes carrying sewage and stormwater.

The stream waters in Broad Branch are notable for dangerous flash floods, such as the one in August 2010 in which a driver leapt from his van and clung to a fence just before an eight-foot wall of water swept the van away.

Lafayette Area Map

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