Only Rain

Fall 2025

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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16th Annual Occoquan River Clean-Up - Volunteers Needed!

Ready to protect the water supply for most of Eastern Prince William and Fairfax Counties? Join us this September 27, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Annual Occoquan River Clean-Up!

Head out on the water to remove trash from nine different sites along 25 miles of the Occoquan River, or volunteer on land to clean up stormwater ponds around the area.

Let's work together to preserve clean water!

Learn More and Register

GET INVOLVED THIS FALL

Mini Compost-a-Thon

Let's turn food scraps into garden gold!

Discover how easy and impactful composting can be with the Rappahannock Regional Solid Waste Management Board's Mini Compost-a-Thons.

Plus, Stafford and Fredericksburg residents can register for a free compost bin!

Join an Upcoming Class

Worm Composting Workshop

Learn more about composting with Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District (NVSWCD)'s Worm Composting Workshop!

Get tips and tricks, see a worm composting bin in action, and get your questions answered!

When: October 4, 2 - 4 p.m.

Where: Green Acres Center in Fairfax.

Dive into Composting!

Virtual Green Breakfast

Join the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District on November 8 for a virtual Green Breakfast focused on CAP-E and Charge Up Fairfax Programs!

Stay Tuned for Details

YOUR COMMUNITY

Native Tree Giveaway in Vienna

Stop by the Vienna Community Center on Saturday, October 19, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and transform your yard with beautiful native trees perfect for the season.

Get Your Free Tree!

Invasive Tree Removal Exchange in Loudon

Loudoun County landowners can receive a free native tree sapling through the VCE Loudoun Master Gardeners Tree Exchange Program by removing an invasive tree from their property. Pick-up on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the VCE Loudoun Office in Leesburg.

Learn More

Mussels Introduced to Restore Streams in PWC

On August 7, Prince William County started a trial releasing 150 freshwater mussels into restored streams. These natural filters can clean up to 10 gallons of water daily. Monitoring will continue to evaluate their impact on water quality.

Pollution Reporting

If you see substances like chemicals, paint, grass clippings, or litter being dumped into the storm drain, report it to your local stormwater hotline!

This helps prevent pollutants from flowing into waterways and affecting our water quality.

Swimming Pool Drainage

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 follow our tips on how to dispose of pool water safely to protect the environment.

Local Clean-Up Events

International Coastal Cleanup

When: Sat. in Sept/Oct | 9 - 5 p.m.

Where: Accotink Creek, Fairfax

Bull Run Watershed Clean-Up

When: November 8 | 9 – 11 a.m.

Where: Sudley Manor Dr, Manassas

Falls Church City Clean-Up

When: October 4 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: Falls Church Community Center

Festivals & Fun

NatureFest – Explore the Wild Side of Herndon!

Stop by Runnymede Park for a hands-on, fun-filled afternoon! Discover the plants, animals, and insects that call the park home through interactive stations, games, and nature-themed activities.

When: September 28, 2025 | 1 - 5 p.m.

Where: Runnymede Park, 195 Herndon Parkway

Connect with Nature!

Trick or Treatment - A Hauntingly Good Time!

Join Prince William Water for a Halloween celebration with an educational twist! Enjoy trick-or-treating at tables hosted by local environmental and community organizations while learning about wastewater treatment.

When: October 25 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: H.L. Mooney Advanced Water Reclamation Facility

Get Spooky!