Wastewater Management helps keep people healthy and protects the environment by collecting and cleaning wastewater. Wastewater is used water from homes and businesses that goes down the drain and into the sanitary sewer system. Fairfax County has one of the biggest sewer systems in the country. The water is treated to meet or exceed state and federal standards for cleanliness. After treatment, the clean water is safely returned to local rivers and streams.
Fairfax County’s Wastewater Plant Celebrates 50 Years of Service to the Community
Fairfax County’s wastewater treatment plant helps protect people’s health, the environment, water quality, and aquatic life.
We work to protect the environment and everyone who lives, works, or visits the county. Safely moving and cleaning wastewater supports the health, safety, and well-being of the community. The main goals are:
Follow (and exceed) all rules and regulations.
Keep improving by using new technology, better practices, and ongoing employee training.
Reduce environmental impact through community involvement, pollution prevention, and staff education.
Promote open and clear communication with the community.
By the Numbers
Residential Customer Accounts
350,299
Commercial Customer Accounts
28,760
Miles Sanitary Sewer Pipe
3,300
Lab Analysis Conducted Annually
225,000
Sewer Science Student Participants Annually
(High School, Middle School and Elementary School)
5,375
Million Gallons Treated Daily at the Noman M. Cole Jr., Water Recycling Facility
36
Million Gallons Treated Daily at Other Regional Plants Serving the County
56
Million Gallons Reclaimed Daily
2.2
Data for FY2025
Planning & Monitoring
Wastewater Management (WWM) has different teams that work together to make sure everything runs smoothly. Engineers focus on building and maintaining systems that can handle both today’s and future wastewater needs. The financial team takes care of planning and tracking the money needed for WWM to do its work. At the Environmental Laboratory, treated wastewater is tested to make sure it meets state and federal rules. They also keep an eye on ecosystems near the areas where treated water is released, making sure the environment stays healthy. WWM runs the National Pretreatment Program, which makes sure businesses and industries follow the Clean Water Act. This program helps protect people, the sewer system, and the environment.
Collection
Fairfax County’s wastewater collection system includes sewer pipes, pumping stations, and flow monitoring stations. These parts are carefully managed to ensure customers get continuous service. The county also provides a 24-hour emergency response to fix unexpected sewer backups.
Treatment
Wastewater is cleaned using advanced physical, biological, and chemical methods to remove harmful pollutants and germs that can damage the environment. Used water from homes and businesses in Fairfax County is processed at one of five treatment plants in the area. The county owns the Noman M. Cole, Jr., Water Recycling Facility in Lorton. This facility can treat 67 million gallons of wastewater.
Wastewater Management helps keep people healthy and protects the environment by collecting and cleaning wastewater. Wastewater is used water from homes and businesses that goes down the drain and into the sanitary sewer system. Fairfax County has one of the biggest sewer systems in the country. The water is treated to meet or exceed state and federal standards for cleanliness. After treatment, the clean water is safely returned to local rivers and streams.