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.

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Capital Projects
Recycling & Trash
Stormwater
Trees
Wastewater
Educational Resources

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News Stories

Floodplain Management Plan thumbnail

DPWES Releases 2025 Floodplain Management Plan
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. 
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Trees at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax County, Virginia. Photo by Glenna Tinney
Fairfax County Tree Commission Seeks ‘Friends of Trees Award’ Nominations
June 13, 2025
It’s that time of year! The Fairfax County Tree Commission is announcing that nominations for its 2024-2025 Friends of Trees Awards are now open and will close on July 31.
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Fairfax County Expanding Solar Energy Initiative with Solar Array Project at I-95 Landfill in Lorton
June 11, 2025
A renewable energy solar project in the county, at its completion, will generate enough energy to power about 1,000 homes. Fairfax County will be the first locality in the Commonwealth to begin construction of a solar array on the grounds of a closed landfill.

Featured Video

Fairfax County relies on the newly named Water Resources Infrastructure to safely manage stormwater, wastewater, and our urban forest. Their programs protect and restore our vital natural resources, serve the community, and safeguard the environment and public health. Their new facility (opening in 2026) will house them all under one roof.

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Streams, Sprawl, and Stewardship: A Conversation with EQAC Veterans

On EnviroPod

Streams, Sprawl, and Stewardship: A Conversation with EQAC Veterans: EnviroPod #55

In this episode of EnviroPod, host Bob DeMarco sits down with Stella Koch and George Lamb, longtime members and past leaders of the Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC). With over 50 years of combined experience, they share the story of how Fairfax County became a national leader in stream restoration, watershed management, and sustainable development. From mapping perennial streams to helping shape Tysons Corner’s transformation, Stella and George explain how EQAC has worked closely

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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.

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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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