Only Rain

Winter 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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Winter Salt Week – Protect Our Streams This Winter!

Winter is here, and that means snow, ice… and salt. But did you know that just a single teaspoon of winter salt can permanently pollute five gallons of water?

Join us on January 21 and January 23 at 1 p.m. for two expert-led webinars that explore the impact of winter salt on our local streams, drinking water, and wildlife, and ways that you can take action to be #wintersaltsmart around your community.

Let’s work together to be salt smart this winter and protect our local waterways!

Learn More and Register

GET INVOLVED THIS WINTER

Master Gardeners: Seed Starters

Ready to unlock the secrets of successful gardening?

Many vegetable seeds need to be planted before the growing season. Join Master Gardeners for expert advice, seeds, and supplies to start your spring gardens!

When: February 21, 2026 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Where: Manassas City Library

Jump Start Your Garden!

Rain Garden Workshop – Save the Date!

Learn all about rain gardens at the Northern Virginia Regional Commission's annual workshop!

Explore rain garden design, construction, maintenance, and how they can benefit your property!

When: February 28, 2026

Where: Lubber Run Community Center, Arlington

Stay Tuned for Registration

YOUR COMMUNITY

EcoAction Arlington – Get Your Free Native Tree!

Applications for the Spring 2026 Tree Planting Program are now open until January 14, 2026!

Help expand Arlington's tree canopy by applying for a free native tree to be planted on your property.

Apply Today

2026 Water Art Invitational

Calling all high school students in Prince William County!

Prince William Water is inviting high school students in public, private, and home schools to submit artwork based on this year’s theme: “One Water.”

Categories include painting/drawing, photography, and computer graphics!

Entries are due January 30.

Turn Art into Action

SEASONAL TIPS

Smart Winter Practices to Protect Clean Water

When ice melts, excess winter salt can flow down the drain and into our waterways, harming plants, animals and the quality of our drinking water. This winter:

After a storm, shovel snow first and then only apply salt where needed.
Use less salt - 1 coffee cup is enough for a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares.
Sweep up and reuse any excess salt that's left over after a storm.

Explore more tips to prevent pollution this winter!

Proper Household Waste Storage

Taking a break from home improvements this winter? Be sure to keep any household chemicals, paints, and oils stored inside or covered to avoid runoff into our storm drains. Learn more about how to dispose of household waste safely to protect the environment.

Local Clean-Up Events

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Clean-Up

Join Potomac Conservancy for a day of service and clean up! Honor Dr. King's legacy and help protect the Potomac River by removing trash and debris from local shorelines.

When: January 17, 2026 | 9- 11 am

Where: Jones Point Park, Alexandria, VA

Join the Clean-Up Crew!

Big Stream Cleanup and Water Quality Awareness

Get outside this February and help make a difference in your community!

Join the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District to clear litter from Manassas Park's waterways (Russia Branch and its tributary) while learning about stream health and water quality.

When: February 28 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: Manassas Park

The Northern Virginia Clean Water Partnership is coordinated by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission and funded in part by a grant from the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program.