Public Works and Environmental Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our offices are open to the public by appointment only at this time. Please call or email 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-5033 TTY 711
12000 Government Center Parkway
Suite 448 Fairfax, VA 22035
Christopher S. Herrington
Director
Public works and environmental services

What We Do

The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services builds and maintains safe, reliable infrastructure that improves public health and provides a high quality of life for residents. The department’s four business areas – Solid Waste Management, Capital Facilities, Wastewater Management, and Stormwater Management – work together to create and preserve sustainable communities.

News Stories

dpwes and fire and rescue training

July 23, 2025
Before nine county-acquired homes on Barrett Road in Falls Church are torn down to reduce flooding, firefighters are getting one last chance to use them—for live training.
Free tree from Casey Trees
July 23, 2025
Community-based organizations in Fairfax County can apply to receive free trees for planting on private properties, through a program by Fairfax County’s Urban and Community Forestry Division (UCFD) of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services.
Floodplain Management Plan thumbnail
July 2, 2025
Climate change continues to exacerbate flooding impacts in Fairfax County and nationwide. Weather-related flooding is still the most common and costly natural disaster across the United States. Fairfax County’s ongoing efforts to mitigate flooding problems for residents can be found in the July 2025 Floodplain Management Plan (FMP) progress report. 

Featured Video

Before nine homes on Barrett Road are demolished to reduce flood risk, they’re being used one last time — to train Fairfax County firefighters.

Water Resources and Infrastructure

Protecting our water, infrastructure, and our trees is an important job. We move, clean, and manage water to ensure access to clean drinking water and healthy streams. Our forests help enhance our community by providing habitat for wildlife, clean air, and protecting our stream banks. The County relies on our infrastructure to safely manage stormwater, wastewater, and our urban forest. WRI programs aim to protect and restore our vital natural resources which serve the community and safeguard the environment and public health.


APWA Accredited Agency

APWA Accredited Agency logoThe Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is accredited by the American Public Works Association. This prestigious national accreditation program recognizes public works agencies that comply with or exceed recommended best practices. The recognition affirms the department’s commitment to providing the highest quality services to Fairfax County residents.

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