By BRYANNA ALTMAN
For PotomacLocal.com
LORTON, Va. — The brick buildings located on Va. 123 across from the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton was the site of the Occoquan Workhouse, and in 1917 housed suffragettes who were arrested picketing the White House to give women the right to vote. Today it is part of the largest water utility in Virginia, and provides drinking water to 1.7 million customers.
The Fred P. Griffith Jr. Water Treatment Plant is owned by Fairfax Water, and it serves the southern tip of the utility’s service area. Public Affairs Officer at Fairfax Water Jeanne Bailey on Monday gathered a group from the Occoquan River Communities — a grassroots, not-for-profit organization tasked with the stewardship of the Occoquan River Watershed — for a tour of the facility. Bailey said providing a reliable supply of safe water is Fairfax Water’s number one concern.
To do this, the utility operates two of the largest water treatment facilities in Virginia with a combined capacity of 345 million gallons per day. Forty-five percent of the water comes from the Occoquan River and Reservoir, and is processed at the Griffith Plant. The other 55 percent comes from the Potomac River and is processed at the James J. Corbalis Jr. plant near Reston.
When the Griffith Plant began operations in 2006, the plant utilized a 10-foot wide tunnel under the Occoquan Reservoir that delivers raw water to a pumping station. The tunnel travels 700 feet under the river to connect the intake to the pumping station. Once the water reaches the Griffith plant it begins the water treatment process, said Bailey.
The plant meets stringent Environmental Protection Agency regulations and uses ozone disinfection and a granulated activated carbon filtering process. Strict automated process controls are used to securely and safely provide reliable continuous service and meet maximum day demands.
The Occoquan River Communities has partnered with Fairfax Water and promotes river-related education and conservation. The river group coordinated with Fairfax Water to arrange a private tour of the Griffith Plant.
Fairfax Water produces over 50 billion gallons of water per year making it the largest drinking water facility in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Retail account (residential and commercial) comprise about 60 percent of the Fairfax Waters total sales and approximately 40 percent of total water sales are sold wholesale to the counties of Prince William, Loudoun, as well as the Alexandria, Ft. Belvior, Herndon and Dulles International Airport.
Bryanna Altman is President of the Occoquan River Communities and owner of The Computer Doctor.
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Looking for a fun and educational experience for kids? Check out Semillitas: Puerto Rican Bomba Kids. This event brings Puerto Rican bomba songs, dance, and music to Stafford every Sunday starting February 2, 2025, and running through June 1, 2025. Kids will enjoy learning rhythm, dance moves, and songs in an interactive environment.
The classes are designed for children up to 10, with a unique May 4 program featuring visiting artists from Puerto Rico!
Dates: Feb 2nd, Mar 2nd, Apr 6th, Jun 1st
Time: 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm
Location: Virtuous Dance Center, 31 Utah Place #101, Stafford.
Cost: $10 for the first child, $7 for additional children per class, $32 for all four classes for the first child, and $24 for each additional child.
It’s free to submit your events to Potomac Local! Simply visit this link: https://form.jotform.com/221630757468058. Just fill out the details, and we’ll feature your event!
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Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
