AlexRenew (formerly Alexandria Sanitation Authority) was created in 1952 to build, operate and maintain a new sewage treatment system to serve the City and parts of Fairfax County, which made good engineering and financial sense. At that time, the Potomac River was choked with raw sewage, which posed a severe health threat to the community. We haven’t stopped protecting our community’s health and the environment since our first day of plant operation in July 1956.

Alexandria Renew Enterprises is overseen by a Board of Directors - five citizens appointed by the Alexandria City Council to four-year staggered terms. The Board is a public body in all respects, but is independent of the City government administratively and financially. Board members are responsible for the oversight of AlexRenew and its compliance with the Virginia Water and Wastewater Authorities Act and all environmental regulations.