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

Water Resources and Infrastructure

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Get Help Now! - Call our 24-Hour Customer Communications Center (CCC): 703-323-1211 | TTY 711.

For non-emergency problems, visit Report a Problem.


Water's Journey

Drinking Water - Wastewater - Stormwater

Clean water is our most important resource. To keep water clean for future generations, we need to know where it comes from, how we use it, and where it goes after it leaves our homes and businesses. Find out how drinking water, wastewater and stormwater runoff are managed by separate systems in Fairfax County.


Exciting Changes Within Public Works

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.


Volunteering

Public Works strives to protect and enhance the natural environment, but we can’t do it alone. There are numerous opportunities for volunteers who want to help keep their streets and streams clean and their natural areas green. Visit our partners’ websites to find ways you can make a positive impact in your community. Working together, we can ensure Fairfax County remains a clean, safe, and healthy place to live, work, and play.

Invasive Species

Stay Informed

Invasive species (plants, animals, or diseases) spread:

  • By Shipping: They can travel in cargo, boxes, or items shipped across countries.
  • Through Vehicles: Cars, boats, trains, and other vehicles can carry them.
  • On Clothing and Shoes: Seeds or small living things can get stuck on clothes and shoes and move to other places.
  • Via Pets and Wildlife: Pets released into the wild or wildlife might spread them to new areas.
  • Using Waterways and Storms: Rivers, streams, and storms can carry them to other regions.

Visit United States Department of Agriculture, National Invasive Species Information Center for more information.

One example of an invasive species is Running Bamboo. This plant spreads quickly by its roots. It makes dense stands where nothing else can grow. If it crosses onto a neighbor’s property, it can create issues. Since January 2023, Fairfax County homeowners may be fined if bamboo is not removed or contained on their property.

Do not plant running bamboo. Learn how to spot, manage, and remove running bamboo to prevent issues for your yard and your neighbors. Information is available in multiple languages, including EnglishArabicChineseFarsiKoreanSpanishUrdu and Vietnamese.

Learn more about the damage it causes, how to contain, remove and dispose of Running Bamboo.

 

Working Together on Invasive Species

While Fairfax County and its partners actively work to control invasive species, residents play a critical role too. We rely on engaged volunteers to help identify, remove, and prevent the spread of these harmful plants and animals. Learn more about the County's work and find ways to get involved!


Countywide Strategic Plan - Environment and Energy

Our work on invasive species helps Fairfax County promote air, water and land quality. Together we can protect our environment and ensure it remains a healthy space for all to enjoy. Learn more and get involved today!


Capital Projects

Trees

Litter

Litter

Litter is trash not in its proper place or container. Litter has negative impacts on public health and the environment, including: ​

  • Attracts rodents and insects​
  • Pollutes streams and lakes​
  • Kills fish and wildlife​
  • Degrades water quality​
  • Destroys scenic views​ ​

Having an engaged and active community puts YOU on the front lines of defense against litter pollution!​


What Can YOU Do to Keep Our Community Clean?

The best way to address litter is to prevent it before it happens.

Plastic grocery bag - visit Plastics
Purple Can Club bin
Hazardous Waste

Volunteer With Us!

There are many ways to get involved in our community. Below are some partner organizations who lead and organize volunteer opportunities. Volunteering for a stream clean-up is a great way to earn volunteer community service hours!

What We Are Doing!

Litter Complaints

Litter may be found in several locations, each with different ownership and enforcement responsibilities. See the descriptions and links below to help direct complaints to the appropriate agencies.

Determine how to direct a litter complaint.

Stormwater Management

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

For other flood emergencies or non-emergency problems, Report a Problem

Wastewater Management

Payment Assistance for Customers

Need help paying your Fairfax Water bill? Fairfax Water offers payment assistance options for customers.


Flood Response Maps

Fairfax Virtual Assistant