News Release
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Contact: Erin Barlow, (202) 578-9118
McLean, Va. — The George Washington Memorial Parkway is rolling out a major upgrade to its public amenities by installing up to 14 new water bottle refill and drinking stations at high-traffic areas throughout the park. All the new stations are replacing older drinking fountains, upgrading them to include modern bottle fillers to better serve visitors and support sustainability. The project aims to improve year-round access to safe drinking water and reduce waste along the Potomac River corridor.
Made possible by support from Potomac Runners, DC Road Runners, American Water Charitable Foundation, Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail and a grant from the National Park Foundation and Subaru of America, these new stations will offer visitors a more sustainable and reliable way to stay hydrated on the go.
“This project supports our mission to protect natural resources and enhance the visitor experience,” said Superintendent of the George Washington Memorial Parkway Jennifer Madello. “Whether you’re biking the Mount Vernon Trail, exploring historic sites, or walking your dog at one of our parks, having access to clean, reliable drinking water makes every visit safer and more enjoyable. At the same time, we’re helping protect the health of the Potomac River and the surrounding environment.”
Modern, Accessible, and Freeze-Resistant
Many of the park’s existing drinking fountains are outdated and shut down during colder months. The new stations are built to withstand freezing temperatures and remain in service year round. Each station includes a refill spout, traditional drinking fountain and a bowl at ground level to ensure that pets can hydrate too.
Phased Installation Through 2026
Installation is underway and will continue in phases through fall 2025 and into 2026.
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Two stations are now operational. One along the Mount Vernon Trail near Alexandria Avenue and the other on Theodore Roosevelt Island.
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Work on the other 12 is progressing, beginning at the southern end of the trail near George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
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Installations will continue north through August and September at Fort Hunt, Belle Haven and Jones Point.
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In October, the project moves to Theodore Roosevelt Island.
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Additional upgrades are planned this winter for Great Falls Park, Lady Bird Johnson Park and the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial.
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Visit our website to see a map with all the locations
Collaborating for Conservation
This initiative is also collaborative effort with local conservation and community groups, including Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail, Friends of Dyke Marsh, National Park Foundation, Potomac Conservancy, Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Potomac Runners and Four Mile Run Conservancy. Each local partner shares the goal of promoting stewardship and sustainable recreation along the Parkway.
Protecting the Park for Future Generations
By expanding access to drinking water and encouraging reusable bottles, this project supports the park’s mission to protect the Potomac River corridor while serving millions of visitors each year. Whether you're biking the Mount Vernon Trail, walking your dog at Belle Haven Park, or exploring Fort Hunt with your family, we encourage you to bring a reusable bottle and help protect your park.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s more than 430 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
Last updated: July 30, 2025