Drinking Water, Waste, & Energy
They often go unnoticed, but our daily lives in Great Falls are supported by a network of natural and built systems — wells, septic tanks, watersheds, recycling services, and energy infrastructure. Understanding how they work helps us make choices that protect the environment and keep our community healthy.
Start Here: Three Easy Steps
- Test your well or tap water.
- Sort one new item correctly using the County’s recycling guidance.
- Explore one energy‑saving or electrification option for your home
Ready for More?
1. Drinking Water: Wells & Public Water
Well Care & Testing
Many Great Falls homes rely on private wells. Regular testing and maintenance help ensure your drinking water is safe.
- Test your well water annually and if you notice a change in the way the well water smells, tastes, its appearance, or if the land use around your property has changed.
- Explore county‑supported well water testing programs. The Fairfax County Virginia Cooperative Extension typically hosts annual well water testing clinics.
- Inspect your well cap and surrounding area for potential contamination risks.
Public Drinking Water
Some Great Falls neighborhoods are served by Fairfax Water. Visit their website to learn about water quality, service areas, and customer resources.
2. Wastewater, Septic Systems, & Watersheds
Septic System Care
Septic systems require routine pumping and inspection to function properly.
Pump your system every 3–5 years.
Avoid flushing wipes, chemicals, or grease.
Use soaps and detergents that are low-suds, biodegradable, and low- or phosphate-free.
Protect your drainfield from compaction and excess water.
Understand Your Watershed
Every property in Great Falls drains into a local stream, ultimately reaching the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay.
Use the County’s watershed map to see where your runoff goes.
Reduce pollutants by limiting fertilizer use and managing stormwater.
Stream Monitoring
Join a stream water quality testing clinic to help monitor the health of local waterways.
3. Zero Waste: Trash, Recycling, & Composting
Reducing and properly recycling waste protects our environment and extends the life of landfills. Here are resources for managing household waste.
Recycling Basics
- Review the County’s quick‑tips flyer to learn what can and cannot be recycled curbside.
- Glass should not go in curbside recycling — bring it to the purple bin behind the Great Falls Library.
- Contact your waste hauler for more information about what they will accept for recycling. Our local Great Falls Parkout also provides recycling education for their members.
Composting Options
Organic matter, like yard waste and food scraps, can be composted. A 2024 Fairfax County study found that 30% of the trash we throw away in the county is food and yard waste, so diverting this waste makes a large difference.
Local options include:
- Many waste haulers offer yard waste pickup.
- Start a backyard compost bin or pile.
- Use a County‑permitted food waste collection service.
Special Waste
Some items require special handling:
- Electronic waste (including batteries) (Drop off at the I-66 Transfer Station. Some businesess like Best Buy and Office Depot also accept electronic waste and printer cartridges).
- Hazardous household waste (Drop off at the I-66 Transfer Station.)
- Plastic bags (Recycle at the Safeway entrance)
- Textiles (Drop off at the blue collection bins located at the I-66 Transfer Station.)
- Small specialty recyclables (Drop off at the Great Falls Library’s collection box. The Dranesville District office also collects batteries.)
Use the County’s Waste Wizard tool to look up how to dispose of any item.
Give Items a Second Life
Donate usable items to local nonprofits to reduce waste and support the community. Books can be donated to the Friends of the Great Falls Library. Local non-profits run collection drives for different items throughout the year.
Borrow or Shop Secondhand
The Fairfax County Public Library system offers a large collection of books and other items residents can borrow. They also offer an extensive Library of Things, such as board games, energy conservation kits, history kits, nature backpacks, artwork, and more. Items can be requested from any branch and sent to the Great Falls Library for pickup.
You can also shop secondhand at local events like the book sale at the Great Falls Library, vintage sales at the Great Falls Grange, and local estate and yard sales to give existing items a new life.
Learn More About County Zero Waste Efforts
Explore Fairfax County’s Zero Waste plan to learn more about long‑term goals and current programs.
4. Litter Prevention & Cleanup
Prevent Litter During Curbside Pickup
Ensure that your bin lids are completely closed when you bring them out to the curb. Wind and wildlife are more likely to spread trash when lids are open.
Report Litter
Report roadside litter to VDOT, and they will dispatch a cleanup crew.
VDOT Hotline: 800-367-7623 or
VDOT Service Request Website: https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/ServiceRequest
Volunteer Cleanups
Local volunteers regularly collect litter along roadsides and trails. If you participate, please use caution and wear high‑visibility gear.
5. Energy: Gas & Electricity
Gas Pipelines
Washington Gas operates pipelines throughout Great Falls. Know the signs of a gas leak and follow recommended safety precautions.
Electricity
Dominion Energy provides electric service to Great Falls. Report outages through their online portal or customer service line.
Electrification & Energy Efficiency
Fairfax County offers resources to help residents:
Identify and plan for home energy improvements
Improve home energy efficiency
Explore current rebates and incentives
These upgrades can reduce energy bills and lower environmental impact.
6. Stay Connected
The GFCA Environment & Parks Committee shares updates, hosts guest speakers, and discusses local environmental issues. Email environment@gfca.org to get involved.
Additional Resources:
Public Works and Environmental Services- Stormwater Management
Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination