Fairfax County presents an environmental award to a Culmore tap water project

*Water bottles designed by Culmore kids. [HACAN]*

The Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination is presenting an Environmental Excellence Award to the Friends of Holmes Run and Hispanics Against Child Abuse and Neglect (HACAN) for promoting the use of tap water in Culmore.

The groups encouraged residents to use refillable water bottles for tap water instead of buying disposable water bottles that often end up in streams.

They had lab testing done on tap water from Culmore households and found it is safe to drink. They also developed children’s activities about protecting local streams.

Students in an after-school program run by HACAN designed and distributed reusable metal water bottles and created public service announcements promoting the use of tap water.

Related story: Culmore kids promote tap water

The annual Environmental Excellence Awards recognize individuals, organizations, businesses, and county employees who:

Advance or support the county’s environmental goals and policy statements;
Dedicate personal time and expertise beyond normal fiscal or civic responsibilities; and
Demonstrate leadership as a role model for others.

Other 2025 winners include Fairfax County Public Schools’ Get2Green team, environmental advocate Margaret Fisher, Fairfax County environmental planner Allison Homer, wastewater treatment facility director Michael McGrath, and the Sewing Lab.

The awards will be presented at a celebration on Oct. 30 at the Fairfax County Government Center. The event will also honor the recipients of the Friends of Trees and James M. Scott Exceptional Design awards.

One of the design award recipients is the Three Collective Project at the Skyline Center in Bailey’s Crossroads. That project consists of three former office buildings that have been repurposed for multifamily housing.