Clean Water Current

Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) Wastewater Management (WWM) Program operates an award-winning wastewater treatment plant—the 67-million-gallon-capacity Noman M. Cole Jr. Pollution Control Plant—along with more than 3,400 miles of sewer lines and 70 pumping stations. Together, these facilities serve over 372,000 residences and commercial businesses, reaching 1.2 million residents. Their work also provides unique and meaningful educational opportunities for young learners.

Building on an already successful laboratory program for middle and high school students, Fairfax County recently introduced a new initiative for elementary-aged students. These programs are designed to spark interest in science while teaching the importance of protecting water resources. Each lab introduces students to water quality testing, hands-on activities, and real-world challenges faced by water professionals. To make the lessons engaging, videos were developed to show why this knowledge matters to the public, resulting in targeted programs for grades K–6. The initiative currently offers five programs, each including an experiment or activity (with materials provided), a take-home worksheet, teacher resources, and a corresponding video. Teachers can request a program to enhance their curriculum, provide interactive learning, and reinforce simple, practical messages on how to care for household water and pipes.

As part of its mission, Fairfax County WWM strives to change behaviors by promoting environmental stewardship—and education is one of its most effective tools. By bringing their expertise into classrooms, WWM helps young people learn how to care for the environment, recognize pollution sources, and minimize risks at home. These students, in turn, become advocates for clean water in their families and communities, and eventually grow into adults who uphold and share the environmental values they were taught.

Fairfax County WWM’s involvement in schools is essential because it engages students and families across multiple age groups and communities, including those that are underserved or underrepresented. Their K–12 programs not only encourage curiosity but also build trust, helping residents feel reassured when they see WWM vehicles in their neighborhoods, knowing that this important work is being done to protect, restore, and enhance our shared water resources.

NACWA awarded the Fairfax County Wastewater Management Program a 2025 National Environmental Achievement Award in the Public Information & Education: Educational Program category for its impactful outreach program. Congratulations to everyone involved!