Fairfax County Wastewater Management offers safe and high-quality services for moving and treating wastewater. They monitor the environment and infrastructure to protect public health, aquatic life, and the environment.
Watch the video series about the different Wastewater Management teams. These teams work to protect our wastewater systems, human health, and the environment.
Our goal is to protect public health by providing sustainable, efficient services to Fairfax County and the region. In 2026, we were honored with the "Utility of the Future Today" award. It was given to us by several organizations, including the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Water Environment Federation, the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation, and the WateReuse Association. They worked with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to select us for this recognition. This award requires growth and progress in several areas, which reflects our commitment to sustainability and the community.
Wastewater Treatment
All wastewater is treated using advanced physical, biological, and chemical processes to remove harmful pollutants and germs. Wastewater from homes and businesses in the county is treated at one of several treatment facilities in the area. The county owns and runs the Noman M. Cole, Jr. Water Recycling Facility in Lorton. This facility treats about 45 million gallons of wastewater each day. The wastewater comes from nearly 340,000 homes and businesses.
Fairfax County Wastewater Management has a complex system of pipes, pumps, flow-metering stations, tanks, retention ponds, buildings, motors, and sensors. These parts work together to collect and treat wastewater. This video shows you the different steps used at the Noman M. Cole, Jr. Water Recycling Facility. It explains how each step helps clean the water, so it can be safely returned to local rivers and streams.
Environmental Monitoring
Staff in our certified environmental monitoring lab test the wastewater coming into and leaving our treatment plant every day. Their tests make sure the county follows all permit rules and help find any threats to our infrastructure and the environment.
Fairfax County's purple pipes program safely reuses treated wastewater. This reclaimed water goes through a thorough treatment and disinfection process before being sold for irrigation and industrial uses. By reusing water, we save drinking water resources and stop extra nutrients from reaching the Chesapeake Bay.
Since 1984, Fairfax County, with help from George Mason University, has been studying water quality and aquatic life in the Gunston Cove area. Fairfax County releases cleaned wastewater into the tidal Potomac River from the Noman M. Cole, Jr. Water Recycling Facility. Since the late 1970s, the county has been working hard to reduce nutrients in the water, which are a major cause of water pollution.
The Fairfax County Wastewater Management Program is dedicated to protecting and improving the environment. They work to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of everyone who works, lives, or visits the county.
Wastewater treatment is a physical, chemical and biological process. Help protect our bugs, pipes, and machinery from harsh chemicals and pollutants.
Throw wipes in the trash. Flushing wipes, even those labeled as “flushable” can lead to costly repairs and water pollution. Don't flush wipes or personal care products down the toilet.
Protect your community and water supply, don’t flush or pour medicine down toilets or drains.
Don't put fats, oils, or grease down the drains. Can it, cool it and toss it! They harden and clog pipes.
If you see suspicious activity around manholes or sewer overflows, contact us.
If you see dedicated crews working, please give them room to do their jobs.
