Emerging Water Quality Issues

There has been a lot of talk and discussion about what is in the water. Some reports talk about inter-sexed fish in the Potomac River, others talk about pharmaceuticals found in drinking water across the country. Fairfax Water has been following the issues very closely and has developed a monitoring program. We also partner with many other entities to understand these emerging issues.

Fairfax Water’s Monitoring Program

Fairfax Water’s monitoring program was developed to look specifically at what compounds may be found in our source and treated waters. To learn more about Fairfax Water’s testing program click here.

Fairfax Water’s Partners

Fairfax Water partners with various entities to further understand and advance the science of emerging compounds in drinking water. Our partners include a wide variety of agencies at the local, regional and national level. Locally, we partner with Fairfax County to support the proper disposal of unused medications. Regionally, we partner with other regional utilities, the Potomac River Basin Drinking Water Source Protection Partnership, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. Nationally, Fairfax Water partners with the Water Research Foundation, the American Water Works Association, the United States Geological Survey, and the United States Department of Agriculture. Fairfax Water also works with national experts such as researchers, toxicologists and other top scientists to make sure we are on top of the latest research and methodology.