The Washington County Service Authority (WCSA) is a public utility that provides essential services to the residents and businesses of Washington County, Virginia. Established in 1962, the WCSA has been serving the community for over five decades, providing water, wastewater, and stormwater management services to its customers. With a strong commitment to delivering high-quality services, the WCSA has become a vital part of the county's infrastructure, supporting the growth and development of the local economy.
As a public utility, the WCSA is governed by a board of directors, which is responsible for setting policies and making decisions that ensure the effective and efficient delivery of services to the community. The board is composed of local citizens who are appointed by the Washington County Board of Supervisors, ensuring that the WCSA remains accountable to the community it serves. With a strong focus on customer service, the WCSA has implemented various initiatives to improve communication and engagement with its customers, including online billing and payment systems, as well as regular community outreach programs.
Key Points
- The Washington County Service Authority provides water, wastewater, and stormwater management services to its customers.
- The WCSA is governed by a board of directors, which is responsible for setting policies and making decisions that ensure the effective and efficient delivery of services.
- The WCSA has implemented various initiatives to improve customer service, including online billing and payment systems, as well as regular community outreach programs.
- The WCSA is committed to delivering high-quality services that meet or exceed state and federal regulations.
- The WCSA plays a vital role in supporting the growth and development of the local economy, providing essential services to residents and businesses.
History and Development

The WCSA was established in 1962, in response to the growing need for reliable and efficient water and wastewater services in Washington County. Over the years, the WCSA has undergone significant expansions and upgrades, including the construction of new water treatment plants, wastewater treatment facilities, and stormwater management systems. These investments have enabled the WCSA to keep pace with the county’s growing population and economic development, ensuring that its customers have access to high-quality services that meet their needs.
One of the key milestones in the WCSA's history was the construction of the Abingdon Water Treatment Plant, which was completed in 1995. This state-of-the-art facility has a treatment capacity of 12 million gallons per day, providing clean and safe drinking water to over 20,000 customers. The plant uses a combination of conventional and advanced treatment processes, including coagulation, sedimentation, and filtration, to remove impurities and contaminants from the water. The WCSA's commitment to delivering high-quality water services has earned it numerous awards and recognition, including the Virginia Department of Health's "Gold Award" for excellence in water treatment.
Water Treatment and Distribution
The WCSA operates a comprehensive water distribution system, which includes over 400 miles of water mains, 20 pumping stations, and 15 storage tanks. The system is designed to provide reliable and efficient service to customers, with a focus on minimizing disruptions and ensuring that water is available when needed. The WCSA also operates a water conservation program, which encourages customers to use water wisely and reduce waste. The program includes initiatives such as low-flow fixture rebates, water-efficient appliance incentives, and public education campaigns.
Water Treatment Plant | Capacity (MGD) |
---|---|
Abingdon Water Treatment Plant | 12 |
Other Water Treatment Plants | 6 |
Total Capacity | 18 |

Wastewater Treatment and Management

The WCSA operates a comprehensive wastewater treatment and management system, which includes over 200 miles of sewer mains, 10 pumping stations, and 5 wastewater treatment plants. The system is designed to protect public health and the environment, by removing pollutants and contaminants from wastewater before it is discharged into the environment. The WCSA’s wastewater treatment plants use a combination of physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove impurities and contaminants from the wastewater, including primary treatment, secondary treatment, and tertiary treatment.
The WCSA is committed to delivering high-quality wastewater services that meet or exceed state and federal regulations. The authority has implemented various initiatives to improve wastewater treatment and management, including the use of advanced treatment technologies and wastewater reuse programs. These initiatives have helped to reduce the environmental impacts of wastewater disposal, while also providing economic benefits to the community.
Stormwater Management
The WCSA operates a comprehensive stormwater management system, which includes over 100 miles of storm drains, 20 stormwater management ponds, and 10 green infrastructure projects. The system is designed to reduce the risk of flooding, protect water quality, and minimize the impacts of stormwater runoff on the environment. The WCSA has implemented various initiatives to improve stormwater management, including the use of green infrastructure and low-impact development techniques.
What services does the Washington County Service Authority provide?
+The Washington County Service Authority provides water, wastewater, and stormwater management services to its customers.
How does the WCSA ensure the quality of its water services?
+The WCSA ensures the quality of its water services by operating state-of-the-art water treatment plants, implementing water conservation programs, and conducting regular water quality testing.
What is the WCSA's approach to wastewater treatment and management?
+The WCSA operates a comprehensive wastewater treatment and management system, which includes the use of advanced treatment technologies and wastewater reuse programs. The authority is committed to delivering high-quality wastewater services that meet or exceed state and federal regulations.
In conclusion, the Washington County Service Authority plays a vital role in supporting the growth and development of the local economy, providing essential services to residents and businesses. With a strong commitment to delivering high-quality services, the WCSA has become a trusted partner in the community, helping to protect public health and the environment. By investing in state-of-the-art treatment technologies, implementing water conservation programs, and promoting sustainable practices, the WCSA is helping to ensure a bright future for Washington County.