Herrity Fountain Stormwater Retrofit

The Herrity Fountain retrofit project exemplifies creative use of public stormwater management solutions that provide a public gathering space and achieve clean water goals. The renovation of a malfunctioning fountain and reflecting pool evolved into an opportunity to showcase emerging green infrastructure technologies.

The Challenge

The County approached our team with a never-before-done project to retrofit the Herrity concrete fountain into a permeable plaza with a stormwater reuse component: a cistern under the permeable pavers. The project’s team, including WSSI, County staff, and the contractor who built the fountain, EQR, was up to the task.

Our Solution

WSSI worked with Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services and others to turn the Herrity Building’s outdated fountain and reflecting pool into a showcase space for green infrastructure technology. The rainwater harvesting system incorporated crushed recycled glass from Fairfax County’s “Purple Can Club” for glass recycling. The reconceptualized public space at the County government center welcomes visitors with more than 5,000 native perennial forbs, grasses, shrubs and trees. Four stormwater BMPs and three detention basins improve the quality and reduce the overall amount of site runoff.

Awards

Best-Urban-BMP-in-the-Bay-Award from the Chesapeake Stormwater Network – 1st in the Best BMP Retrofit, 2021