Outreach & Education

COG and its local governments and water utilities focus on ways to integrate outreach and education efforts with broader water resource efforts in the region – as part of a ‘one water’ approach.  These efforts include participating in broader source water protection efforts for the entire Potomac River basin, as well as specific programs to address local water resource issues. 

Community Engagement Campaign

COG and the region’s water and wastewater utilities engage with citizens about the value of water and ways to protect water infrastructure and their household pipes via its Community Engagement Campaign (CEC), a partnership between COG and the region’s water and wastewater utilities.

The CEC began by messaging about year-round wise water use and regional collaboration and coordination in times of drought; its role has expanded.

COG and the CEC manage the Protect Your Pipes public education campaign about proper care of household plumbing, including information on keeping unwanted items from being flushed down toilets and poured down drains. 

COG and the CEC also raise awareness about the importance of being Winter Salt Smart and the impact salt has on drinking water safety. With the help of environmental agencies and local water utilities, the CEC spreads messages across social media on best practices when using winter salts.

In 2019, the CEC conducted a strategic vision for the committee and in addition to Wise Water Use, decided to prioritize messaging on the knowledge, safety, and infrastructure of the region's water, and the water workforce. 

CEC Member Jurisdictions:
Arlington County DES
Fairfax County
Frederick County Division of Utilities and Solid Waste
Leesburg
Rockville
Vienna

CEC Member Utilities and Authorities:
Alexandria Renew Enterprises
DC Water
Fairfax Water
Loudoun Water
Prince William County Service Authority (PWCSA)
Upper Occoquan Service Authority
Virginia American Water
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC)