As temperatures drop, many residents will take advantage of the cooler weather to apply fertilizers and pesticides on their lawn. While these products can be more effective when applied in cooler weather, it is important to use them properly to protect our region’s waterways. 

Below are some tips to help you safely and effectively maintain your lawn this fall: 


  • Get a soil test to identify your lawn’s needs. Different soils require different levels of nutrients. 


  • Consider using non-chemical alternatives, such as compost and manure. 


  • Before applying fertilizer or pesticides, check the weather. Do not apply these products directly before rain, which may cause them to run off into local water bodies. 


  • Follow manufacturers’ instructions on lawn care products. Using too much can cause an environmental hazard and damage your lawn or garden. 


  • Consider reseeding bare spots with native grasses and sedges, which typically require less maintenance and chemicals than non-native types. 


Source: A Virginian’s Guide to Year-Round Yard Care, Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation 



During a routine workday in August, Utility Worker Dan Jones and Inflow & Infiltration Technician I Dwight Green were eating lunch in their work vehicles when Dwight witnessed a car accident at the intersection of U.S. Route 15 and Virginia State Route 55. 


Jumping into action, Dan and Dwight rushed to the scene to see how they could assist. When they arrived, they saw the driver was trapped inside the overturned vehicle.


Thinking quickly, another witness backed his pickup truck up to the overturned vehicle. Dan hopped in the truck bed and then onto the side of the vehicle. After ensuring the passenger in the vehicle wasn’t seriously injured, he helped lift the driver out of the car and guided her to a safe location. Dan also verified with the driver that there were no other passengers in the vehicle.

 

Though shaken up, the driver felt like she had avoided serious injury. While awaiting emergency responders, Dan sat and waited with her to provide comfort and company.

 

Calvin D. Farr, Jr., General Manager/CEO, presented Dan and Dwight with Letters of Commendation from the Service Authority Board of Directors for their courageous actions. 

The Service Authority promotes environmental sustainability through various community partnerships, including several new and expanded initiatives. 


Throughout the school year, the Service Authority is providing 18,000 reusable water bottles to students who attend Prince William County Schools (PWCS) in economically disadvantaged communities. The water bottles feature a reminder about the health, budget and environmental benefits of drinking tap water. 


In October, the Service Authority hosted an H2Go Kids Barn during the Prince William Soil & Water Conservation District’s Farm Field Days. Over two days, our employees presented lessons about water and sustainability to 1,400 PWCS students. 


Service Authority also partnered with Prince William Public Libraries and Keep Prince William Beautiful (KPWB) to offer special programming for Imagine a Day Without Water, celebrated nationwide on October 20. KPWB presented in-person activities at county library branches while the Service Authority provided educational activity sheets and booklets about the importance of water.

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