Noman Cole Wastewater Treatment Plant

Summary

The Noman M. Cole Wastewater Treatment Plant is a regional wastewater facility owned and operated by Fairfax County, in which the City holds a contracted capacity share of 6.27%. This capacity share has been cited as a key driver of the City's wastewater utility rate increases in consecutive fiscal years. For FY26, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2025-02 on May 6, 2025, increasing wastewater rates by 6.0%, with staff citing the Cole Plant capacity costs as a primary factor. For FY27, the Council adopted Ordinance 2026-05 on May 5, 2026, again increasing wastewater rates by 6.0%, with staff noting that the plant requires major capital upgrades driven by federal regulations and aging infrastructure. Both ordinances amended Chapter 102, Article II, Section 102-31(b) and passed unanimously 6-0.

Open questions & options on the table

• Whether the capital upgrades to the Noman M. Cole plant required by federal regulations and aging infrastructure will drive further rate increases beyond FY27.
• Whether the City's 6.27% contracted capacity share in the plant may be renegotiated or adjusted as upgrades proceed.

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