Investing in healthier waterways for Alexandria
RiverRenew and Climate Change
Is RiverRenew adaptable and resilient? Discover our plan to address increased rainfall and other issues related to climate change.
Photo: Alexandria ducks at play
RiverRenew is a major initiative in response to a 2017 Virginia law to achieve cleaner, healthier waterways in Alexandria.
Here’s a closer look at how Alexandria’s water system works today.

In a separate sewer system, water pipes deliver clean drinking water, sanitary sewers carry sewage from buildings to AlexRenew, and storm sewers carry rainwater from roads, roofs, driveways, and sidewalks.
At AlexRenew, trash, debris, and solids are extracted; nutrients are removed and bacteria is virtually eliminated. Cleaned water is returned to the Potomac River.
In a combined sewer system, water pipes deliver clean drinking water, and combined sewers carry a mixture of sewage and rainwater. On dry days, sewage is transported to AlexRenew. On rainy days, these pipes can overflow into our waterways.
Program timeline
April 2017
Law passed by Virginia General Assembly mandating remediation of existing combined sewer outfalls by July 1, 2025.
July 2018
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality approves plan for remediating existing combined sewer outfalls.
2021
Construction of new tunnel system begins.
July 2025
Construction complete and tunnel system operational per the April 2017 law.
Program timeline
April 2017
Law passed by Virginia General Assembly mandating remediation of existing combined sewer outfalls by July 1, 2025.
July 2018
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality approves plan for remediating existing combined sewer outfalls.
2021
Construction of new tunnel system begins.
July 2025
Construction complete and tunnel system operational per the April 2017 law.
The result
RiverRenew will prevent millions of gallons of sewage mixed with rainwater from contaminating our rivers and streams. This reduction in the frequency and volume of discharges of sewage mixed with rainwater will limit the amount of bacteria, trash, and other pollutants flowing into Hooffs Run, Hunting Creek, and the Potomac River. Through RiverRenew, we can achieve cleaner, healthier waterways for Alexandria.