Only Rain

Fall 2026

Only Rain empowers Northern Virginia residents, businesses, and organizations to take positive actions that protect our local waterways and ensure clean, safe water for our community and environment to thrive for future generations.

About the Northern Virginia Clean Water Partners

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Drain Your Pool Properly

A blue above-ground swimming pool filled with clear water sits outdoors surrounded by green trees.

Did you know that pool water discharge can harm local streams and aquatic life?

If you’re planning to drain your pool this fall, make sure to:

Get approval from your local government before draining.

Remove chlorine and bromine and test for a pH between 6.0 - 8.0.

Drain into a sewer system or onto the grass over a few days.

Choose drainage areas away from your neighbor's yard, storm drains, and waterways.

Monitor the water flow for erosion or flooding.

Explore Pool Draining Tips

GET INVOLVED THIS FALL

Trick or Treatment –

A Hauntingly Good Time!

Join Prince William Water for a Halloween celebration with an educational twist!

Trick-or-treat with local environmental and community organizations while learning about wastewater treatment.

When: Oct 24 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: H.L. Mooney Advanced Water Reclamation Facility

Get Spooky!

September Green Breakfast

Hear from community members and environmental professionals on important environmental topics affecting our region!

When: Sept 19 | 9 a.m.

Where: Ornery Brewing in Herndon

Join the Conversation

Beyond the Storm Drain

Learn simple ways to help protect local waterways right from your own yard!

Join the Manassas Stormwater Division for a 5-week series covering lawn and landscaping tips, stormwater pollution prevention, native habitats, rain gardens, and more.

When: Tuesdays, Oct 13 - Nov 10, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Manassas City Community Center

Arlington's Fall E-CARE

A collection of household pesticides, insect sprays, garden chemicals, and other products gathered together for disposal.

Safely dispose of your household hazardous materials and old electronics at the Arlington Environmental Collection and Recycling Event (E-CARE).

When: Oct 17 | 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Where: 1425 N. Quincy St, Arlington, VA

View Accepted Materials

YOUR COMMUNITY

Get a Free Tree Planted on Your Property in Fairfax!

Fairfax County residents can receive up to two free trees through the Arbor Day Foundation to help lower energy costs, create wildlife habitats, and grow healthier neighborhoods.

Apply Now

Gulf Branch Stream Resilience Project

A shallow stream flows through a wooded area around rocks and remnants of a small concrete structure.

Arlington County is restoring sections of Gulf Branch to reduce erosion, improve stormwater management, protect natural resources, and create a more resilient stream corridor.

Learn More

Balloon Collection Bins

Give Your Balloons a Second Life!

Prince William County now has two balloon recycling bins to help keep balloons out of local streams and waterways!

Drop off used balloons at select locations where they’ll be collected and sent for recycling.

Find a Bin

Stormwater Inventory Map

Launched in June 2026, Loudoun County began deploying field crews to survey and catalog more than 145,000 storm drain inlets, pipes, and management structures to assess flood risk and inform future land use and stormwater management decisions.

Learn More

Local Clean-Up & Restoration Events

Potomac River Cleanup

When: Sept 26 | 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Where: Turkey Run Park, McLean

Trash Tally and Cleanup

When: Sept 26 | 10:30 a.m. - Noon

Where: Barcroft Park, Arlington

Annual Fall Occoquan River Cleanup

When: Oct 3 | 9 a.m. - Noon.

Where: Multiple Occoquan

River Sites

Gainesville District-Area Cleanup

When: Oct 3 | 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: Heathcote Blvd, Gainesville

Fall Community Cleanup & Forest Rescue

When: Oct 26 | 9 a.m. – Noon

Where: Van Dyck Park, Fairfax

Americana Drive Cleanup

When: Nov 11 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: Americana & Patriot Drive, Annandale

Festivals & Fun

A child looks through a magnifying tool during an outdoor environmental education activity.

Celebrate Creepy-Crawlers at BugFest!

Discover the amazing world of insects at Lake Accotink Park!

Enjoy insect safari hikes, live insect meet-and-greets, crafts, games, storytime, and other family-friendly activities while learning why bugs are important to a healthy ecosystem.

When: Sept 26 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: Lake Accotink Park, Springfield, VA

See What's Buzzing

Cub Run Stream Monitoring Workshop

Get your feet wet and discover what’s living in our local streams!

Learn how to find and identify aquatic bugs and other small creatures while discovering what they can tell us about the health of a stream. No experience is needed, and training is provided.

When: Oct 11 | 9 a.m. - Noon

Where: Cub Run Stream Valley Park, Centreville

Learn About Water Quality

Pond Prowler's Event

Bring the family and discover what’s living beneath the water!

Grab a net and explore the shoreline for dragonfly larvae, mayflies, and other aquatic creatures. Get an up-close look at these tiny critters while learning how they can tell us about the health of our local waterways.

When: Sept 19 | 10 a.m. - Noon

Where: Broad Run Pavilion

Explore Event Details