Fairfax Water’s Stakeholder Outreach Grant Program: Celebrating 25 Years of Source Water Protection and Community Impact!
Our Water Supply Stakeholder Outreach Grant Program has been a cornerstone of our efforts to enhance water supply education, improve water quality, and protect watersheds. This year, we proudly celebrate the 25th anniversary of the program, marking a quarter-century of impactful community and environmental contributions. This program exemplifies our dedication to source water protection by fostering community involvement and environmental stewardship.
Goals and Objectives
“The primary goal of the grant program is to support community groups and organizations in undertaking projects that contribute to water supply education, water quality improvement, and watershed protection,” said Nicki Bellezza, Watershed Protection Specialist. “By providing financial assistance, we empower these groups to implement source water protection initiatives that have a lasting positive impact on the environment and the community.”
The program also helps shoreline owners along the Occoquan Reservoir protect their properties from erosion. This not only safeguards shoreline properties but also aids us in treating and providing safe drinking water for our customers. This dual benefit highlights the program's comprehensive approach to water resource management.
Supporting Community Initiatives
We assist community groups by offering grants that fund a variety of projects, reaching beyond what utility staff can accomplish alone. These projects range from water quality monitoring and watershed education programs to conservation landscaping with native plants and non-point source pollution management. “For example, grant funding has supported the installation of rain gardens, the purchase of equipment such as water quality test kits and boots for students to explore local streams, and the development of educational programs that deepen students’ understanding of watershed and environmental protection,” said Bellezza.
Eligibility and Application
Qualified organizations, including community groups, non-profits, educational institutions, and Occoquan Reservoir shoreline property owners, are eligible to apply for these grants. The projects must address issues within areas served by Fairfax Water or portions of the Potomac and Occoquan watersheds that contribute to our source water in Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, or Fauquier Counties. This broad eligibility ensures that a wide range of stakeholders can participate and benefit from the program.
Impact and Achievements
Since the program's launch, over $1 million has been awarded to support 226 grant projects. According to Bellezza, “these projects have made significant strides in improving water quality and educating the public about the importance of watershed protection.” The success of these initiatives underscores the program's effectiveness and the community's commitment to environmental stewardship.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, the Water Supply Stakeholder Outreach Grant Program aims to continue supporting innovative projects that address water supply and quality issues. “Fairfax Water plans to expand its outreach and impact by encouraging more community involvement and collaboration,” said Bellezza. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the program will remain a vital resource for environmental protection and education.
Source Water Protection Vision
The grant program aligns with our Source Water Protection vision, which aims to preserve and improve the reliability and quality of our drinking water sources. Specific objectives include avoiding extraordinary treatment to remove watershed pollutants, supporting reasonable investments to prevent excessive pollution, and being responsive to emerging contaminants of concern. Additionally, we leverage regional partnerships and continues to lead in guiding source protection efforts, advocating for larger regional benefits of watershed protection, and ensuring appropriate use of revenue from customers.
Learn More
For those interested in learning more about the Water Supply Stakeholder Outreach Grant Program, detailed information is available on our website at www.fairfaxwater.org/grants. Alternatively, you can contact the Watershed Protection Specialist, Nicki Bellezza, at outreach@fairfaxwater.org.