~ Family-friendly activities, facility tours and more planned for Dec. 5 in Lorton ~

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – Recycling is about more than just plastic, paper and aluminum. Water is one of Earth's most recycled resources, but have you ever wondered what happens to it after it goes down the drain? Fairfax County residents will have a unique opportunity to find out during an open house at the Noman M. Cole, Jr. Water Recycling Facility in Lorton on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hosted by the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES), the open house invites community members of all ages to see the science, engineering and hard work involved in cleaning wastewater and protecting public health and the environment

Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the facility, learn about its operations and participate in family-friendly activities. The event will feature tunnel tours, informational tables, touch-a-truck experiences, and warm drinks and festive snacks.

Water is the most recycled resource on Earth. The Noman Cole facility works around the clock to treat wastewater and return clean water to Gunston Cove, which flows into the Potomac River. The facility plays a critical role in protecting public health and local waterways.

The open house offers a rare opportunity to see the infrastructure and operations that are typically not accessible to the public. Visitors can learn more about the treatment process and the people and technology that make it possible.
 

Open House Event Details

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The last tour begins at 1:30 p.m.
WHERE AND PARKING: Due to construction at the facility, visitors should park at the South County Little League Fields, 9519 Richmond Highway, Lorton, VA 22079. County vehicles will direct visitors to the side gate, where shuttle buses will pick up guests every 10 to 15 minutes.

Tours and Activities

• Bus tours: Visitors will begin with a driving tour of the Water Recycling Facility, remaining on the bus throughout the tour.
• Tunnel tours: Explore the facility's underground infrastructure. Participants must be at least 7 years old.
• Touch-a-truck: Get an up-close look at county vehicles.
• Family-friendly activities: Enjoy activities and educational opportunities throughout the event.
• Informational tables: Learn about wastewater treatment, environmental protection and public works services from the Urban and Community Forestry Division, Stormwater Management, Solid Waste Management Program and Wastewater Management, along with community partners including George Mason University's Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center (PEREC), Mason Neck State Park, Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area and Work for Water.
• Refreshments: Warm drinks and festive snacks will be provided.

What Visitors Should Know

Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Children are welcome but must be always supervised by an adult. For safety reasons, participants must be at least 7 years old to join tunnel tours. All required safety equipment will be provided.

The event will take place rain or shine, and visitors are welcome to arrive anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

For additional event information, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/wastewater/water-recycling-facility-open-house-2026 or email DPWESOutreach@fairfaxcounty.gov.

About the Noman M. Cole, Jr. Water Recycling Facility

The Noman M. Cole, Jr. Water Recycling Facility in Lorton is operated by Fairfax County's Department of Public Works and Environmental Services. The facility treats wastewater to protect public health and local waterways, returning clean water to Gunston Cove and the Potomac River. Its complex treatment systems and infrastructure are operated and maintained by skilled wastewater professionals who work around the clock to provide this essential public service.