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Public Works and Environmental Services

Fairfax County, Virginia

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our administrative offices are open to the public by appointment. Please call or email 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday

703-550-9740 ext 1406251
TTY 711

DPWESOutreach@fairfaxcounty.gov

12000 Government Center Parkway
Suite 358, Fairfax, Va 22035

Michael McGrath,
Director, Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater Environmental Services

Quality of Water = Quality of Life

Wastewater Management provides safe, high-quality wastewater conveyance, advanced wastewater treatment, environmental monitoring, and wastewater reuse to protect public health, aquatic life, and the environment in Fairfax County.

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Flushed! The Journey of Wastewater

Watch the video series focused on the different Wastewater Management teams that work to protect our wastewater infrastructure, human health and the environment.

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Utility of the Future Today

Our goal is to protect public health by providing sustainable, efficient services to Fairfax County and the region. In 2020 we were recognized as a Utility of the Future Today by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Water Environment Federation, the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation, and the WateReuse Association with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This distinction is based on our adoption of the seven UOTF principles.

Wastewater Treatment

All wastewater is treated using state-of-the-art physical, biological and chemical processes to remove pollutants and pathogens that are harmful to the environment. Wastewater from county homes and businesses is treated at one of several treatment facilities throughout the region. The county owns and operates the Noman M. Cole, Jr. Pollution Control Plant, located in Lorton, which treats approximately 45 million gallons of wastewater per day generated from nearly 340,000 homes and businesses.

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Fairfax County Wastewater Management consists of a sophisticated network of pipes, pumps, flow-metering stations, tanks, retention ponds, buildings, motors, and sensors that make up the collection and treatment processes. This video takes you through the various treatment processes used at the Noman M. Cole, Jr., Pollution Control Plant and described how each step helps move our water one step closer to final treated wastewater that can be returned to local rivers and streams.

 

Environmental Monitoring

Staff in our certified environmental monitoring laboratory test wastewater flowing to and from our treatment plant daily. Their analyses ensure the county is in compliance with all permits, and their findings help identify threats to our infrastructure and the environment.

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Water Reuse

Fairfax County’s purple pipes program safely reuses treated wastewater. Reclaimed wastewater goes through an extensive treatment and disinfection process before being sold for irrigation and industrial uses. By reusing water, we conserve drinking water resources and prevent excess nutrients from flowing toward Chesapeake Bay.

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An Ecological Study of Gunston Cove

Since 1984, Fairfax County, with assistance from George Mason University, has been monitoring water quality and aquatic life in the Gunston Cove area. As a major discharger of treated wastewater into the tidal Potomac River from the Noman M. Cole Jr., Pollution Control Plant, Fairfax County has been proactive in decreasing nutrients, a major cause of water quality impairment, since the late 1970s.

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Environmental Management System (EMS)

The Fairfax County Wastewater Management Program is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and providing for the health, safety, and well-being of those who work, live, and visit in the county.

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What You Can Do

Wastewater treatment relies on a sensitive biologic process. Help protect our bugs, pipes, and machinery from harsh chemicals and pollutants.

  • Don't flush meds cartoon Protect your community and water supply, don’t flush or pour medicine down toilets or drains
  • Save your cash, put all grease in the trash. Don't pour fats, oils, or grease down the drains.
  • Avoid costly repairs, throw wipes in the trash. Don't flush wipes and personal care products down the toilet.
  • Learn more about wastewater treatment. Take a tour of the Noman M. Cole Jr., Pollution Control Plant.
  • If you see suspicious activity or sewer overflows, contact us.
  • If you see dedicated crews working, please give them room to do their jobs.
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12000 Government Center Pkwy
Fairfax, VA 22035

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703-324-7329

TTY 711

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