Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District Earns Statewide Recognition for Water Quality Program

The Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District has been awarded the Virginia Governor’s Environmental Excellence Silver Medal Award for its outstanding Water Quality Program, recognizing their ongoing commitment to protecting and improving local waterways across Prince William County.

The Water Quality Program plays a vital role in promoting environmental stewardship and public awareness throughout the community. Through education and outreach, the program helps residents understand how local streams and stormwater systems connect to larger waterways like the Occoquan Reservoir and the Potomac River, both of which are critical sources of drinking water for Prince William County communities.

In addition to outreach efforts, the program conducts extensive monitoring to track the health of local waterways. This includes chemical monitoring at more than 80 sites and biological monitoring at over 15 sites throughout the County. These monitoring efforts produce valuable insights that support water quality improvement and ongoing environmental planning.

The District also works closely with volunteers, community groups, and partner organizations to organize stream cleanups across the County, removing trash and debris while fostering a sense of shared responsibility for protecting natural resources. Since 2015, the program’s 14,800 volunteers have removed 430,000 pounds of debris from 760 miles of waterways.

This recognition highlights the importance of local action in addressing regional water quality challenges and reflects the dedication of District staff, volunteers, and community partners.

Prince William County is proud to partner with the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District and support its ongoing efforts to protect water quality and natural resources. Through collaboration, outreach, and shared goals, the County values the District’s continued work to engage the community, safeguard local waterways, and contribute to a healthier environment for current and future residents.

Read more about this year’s award winners in Governor Abigail Spanberger’s official press release here: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/march-releases/name-1114946-en.html

View Awards Program here: https://www.deq.virginia.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/34868/639094241372030000