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The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has declared a drought watch for the region due to unusually dry conditions.
Residents can help by taking simple, voluntary steps to reduce water use and help protect our water resources. Here are some tips for wise water use.
Indoor
- Reduce shower length to less than five minutes;
- Turn off water while brushing your teeth/shaving;
- Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes; and
- Fix any plumbing leaks — especially toilets and faucets.
Outdoor
- Monitor watering lawns, plants, and shrubs;
- Sweep sidewalks and driveways (instead of using a hose); and
- Avoid washing your car or instead use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
Click here to view more wise water use tips from COG.
There's still time to get information about going solar! On June 10, homeowners and businesses are invited to learn more at a free Solarize Virginia webinar presented by Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP).
Register at solarizeva.org/events.
Learn how solar works, what it costs, how financing options have evolved, and what to expect, from installation to long-term savings. Get the tools to make an informed decision, ask questions, and connect with trusted local resources.
Details: solarizeva.org.
On May 11, a city trash collection crew discovered a smoking trash bag inside the truck’s hopper. A crew member removed the smoking bag before injury or damage could occur.
The source of the smoke: an improperly disposed battery.
Never place batteries in your trash or recycling cart and remove batteries from devices before disposal. Replacing a destroyed collection vehicle can cost as much as $350,000, and city collection workers’ lives are irreplaceable.
Take batteries to the I-66 Transfer Station Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Facility, 4618 West Ox Rd. (703-631-1179). Staff can help remove batteries from devices if needed.
Visit locator.batterynetwork.org for other local drop-off locations, including:
- Lowe’s, 4080 Jermantown Road, 703-332-0000
- Home Depot, 3201 Blenheim Blvd., 703-591-6808
At the June 2 city council meeting, students from the leadership class at Katherine Johnson Middle School presented sustainability‑focused redevelopment proposals they developed over several months in fall 2025 and early 2026.
The students worked on planning projects with a focus on sustainability for Northfax and Courthouse Plaza Shopping Center. Students were given background information on both locations and asked to select one to propose a redevelopment program.
The students were challenged to consider stormwater needs and reducing runoff, improving pedestrian safety, and strengthening the local economy in their redevelopment proposals.
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