Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our office is open to visitors by appointment only. Please call or email from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
703-324-7136 TTY 711
12000 Government Center Pkwy, Suite 533
Fairfax, VA 22035
John Morrill
Director

Department Resources

OES: Water Use and Efficiency

Reducing water use in county operations has both direct and indirect benefits to the county’s operating costs and its carbon footprint.

Direct benefits include reductions in the county’s water and sewer costs and the conservation of valuable treated drinking water. Indirect benefits include reductions in county government electricity use and the avoidance of associated greenhouse gas emissions, because water treatment and distribution are energy intensive activities.

On this page, you’ll find more information about measures that reduce water use in county operations to achieve energy savings and environmental benefits.

Target: Reduce water usage 20% for all new construction or major renovations.

Progress: Achieved and ongoing


LEARN ABOUT WATER USE AND EFFICIENCY

Since water treatment and distribution are among the most energy intensive activities, measures that reduce water and sewer use in county operations are especially important to lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

As part of the Operational Energy Strategy, the county works to identify and implement cost-effective water efficiency projects, including the installation of water-efficient fixtures and systems. 

The county’s actions include monitoring water-using equipment, auditing and assessing buildings for water efficiency opportunities, implementing cost-effective water-efficiency solutions such as leak detection sensors, and evaluating new technologies.

Other measures that reduce water use or increase water efficiency include:

  • Expanding use of control systems to maximize water efficiency and ensure appropriate programming and maintenance. 
  • Incorporating natural landscaping with native vegetation to minimize irrigation needs.
  • Installing web-based irrigation control systems where appropriate.
  • Exceeding Virginia code requirements when replacing equipment and fixtures.

For more information on water-saving practices and equipment, please visit the WaterSense program offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 
 

See map below for locations of county government buildings where water efficiency measures have been completed or are planned for the next several years.

Water Savings Spotlight: Noman M. Cole Jr. Water Recycling Facility

In 2022, the Noman M. Cole Jr. Water Recycling Facility was recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy for implementing an energy management system that aligns with the framework of the globally-accepted ISO 50001 Energy Management Standard System.

  • Located in Lorton, VA on 400 acres
  • Serves more than 400,000 residents in southern Fairfax County
  • Processes ~40M gallons of sewage per day 
  • Provides ~1.5M gallons of water per day to the nearby waste-to-energy facility
     
Learn More about Noman M. Cole, Jr. Water Recycling Facility

County Government Energy Data

Curious how much water is being used in Fairfax County facilities? The Fairfax County Energy Dashboard includes overall energy and water use, cost and emissions data for buildings and facilities managed by the county's Facilities Management Department (FMD) and Park Authority (FCPA).  

Explore the County Government Energy Data Dashboard

Operational Energy Strategy (OES)

The Operational Energy Strategy promotes cost-effective solutions and an energy-conscious culture for county government operations. The plan sets goals, targets and actions across major focus areas – including building energy and water use, fleet electrification, and waste management.

Learn More about OES

Water Efficiency at Home

There are many actions you can take at home to reduce your water use that are low or no cost. Visit the Sustain Fairfax Challenge for tips on saving energy and money by being water wise!

Join the Sustain Fairfax Challenge


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