Commitment to Sustainability 

The Department of Public Utilities is committed to demonstrating excellent environmental stewardship in all capacities. This ranges from quick water main repairs to collaboration on regional environmental protection partnerships.


EPA Green Power Partnership / Green Power Community Challenge

The City Council has launched a year-long, City-wide challenge to become a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Green Power Community. City residents and businesses are encouraged to work collectively to purchase and/or generate renewable energy in amounts that meet or exceed 3% of the total community-wide electricity use. Watch for updates on our progress!  Read more >>

Climate Protection and Energy Efficiency

As part of the City's Climate Protection initiative, the Falls Church Water Utility has conducted an inventory of its greenhouse gas emissions and is participating in the development of a community energy strategy. In addition, the Falls Church Water Utility is evaluating opportunities to generate and/or purchase renewable energy.


Chesterbrook Living Classroom

Fairfax County Restoration Project has partnered with the City to support the Living Classroom project as part of its mission to strengthen the relationship between people and nature through community action.  FCRP connects, creates and promotes efforts to restore ecosystem function in Fairfax County through collaboration with public, private and volunteer organizations.  Read more >>



Virginia Municipal League Certified Green Government

The City of Falls Church, including the Falls Church Water Utility, has been certified as a "Green Government" for the fourth consecutive year of this competition. This award recognizes efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.


Green Fleet

The Falls Church Water Utility continues to expand its green fleet with the purchase of three additional hybrid pick up trucks and by using alternative fuels. B20 biodiesel and E10 unleaded gasoline blend are used in Falls Church Water Utility vehicles. In addition, the Falls Church Water Utility has implemented an antiidling policy to conserve fuel.


Flushing Dechlorination

Falls Church Water Utility crews continued to follow environmental best practices by dechlorinating water discharged from fire hydrants during the system-wide flushing program in spring 2009. The practice protects aquatic life and habitat by ensuring that the water that enters the storm water system and streams is free from chlorine disinfectant.


Rainwater Harvesting

With grant support from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, eight cisterns with 27,000 gallons of storage capacity have been installed to capture rainwater at the Water Utility's maintenance facility. Harvested rainwater is used to wash utility equipment.


Staff Water Quality Training and Education

Annually, all Falls Church Water Utility staff receive training and education focused on best management practices for use in government facilities, including vehicle cleaning and maintenance, spill cleanup procedures, storm inlet protection, refuse management and proper material storage.


Community Outreach and Education

The annual Public Utilities Open House showcases the work of the Falls Church Water Utility, and includes interactive environmental education activities focusing on recycling, water quality, erosion and sediment control, and watershed protection.


Regional Water Supply Study

The Code of Virginia requires that local or regional water supply plans be prepared and submitted to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. The City is participating in a regional water supply study directed by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. The study is required to be completed by November 2011.


Regional Water Use it Wisely Campaign

The Falls Church Water Utility works with other area water utilities, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the EPA to promote year-round water conservation. The campaign focuses on increasing awareness about how to use water wisely and promotes stewardship through simple actions and behaviors. Read more >>


Washington Aqueduct Future Water Treatment Alternatives Study

The Washington Aqueduct meets or exceeds all regulatory standards for treated water. However, as the science related to water quality continues to evolve, the Aqueduct wishes to be prepared to address any future drinking water quality issues. Therefore, it has initiated a study to identify potential future water quality challenges; to develop appropriate drinking water treatment objectives and water quality goals; and to identify technologies, treatment scenarios, and public education needs to meet these water quality goals.