Fairfax Water will join the water community in a nationwide invitation to “Imagine a Day Without Water” on October 21, 2021.
This day of education and advocacy led by the Value of Water Campaign is an opportunity to talk about the importance of water infrastructure and emphasize investments needed to grow the economy, create jobs, and ensure resiliency.
We invite you to take time today to learn more about your tap water!
What is the source of my drinking water?
Source water is a raw, untreated supply of water – typically surface water or groundwater – used for current or potential future drinking water. For Fairfax Water customers, your source water is the Potomac River or Occoquan Reservoir. Click here to learn more about your source water.
How can I protect the region’s source water?
There are many steps you can take to reduce pollution and protect source water. Click the links below to learn more.
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During the Winter - Winter salt and its impact on Source Water
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You can also learn more by visiting these local resources
How is source water treated?
Fairfax Water provides water that is treated at four treatment plants. The James J. Corbalis Jr. and the Frederick P. Griffith Jr. treatment plants are owned and operated by Fairfax Water. The Dalecarlia and McMillan treatment plants, part of the Washington Aqueduct, are owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. All four plants use advanced technologies and practices in drinking water treatment, which is the process of cleaning raw water to make it safe for you to drink.
See the treatment process in action! Click here to view a video of the water treatment process at our Corbalis Water Treatment Plant.
What is the quality of my tap water?
Your water quality is excellent. As a Fairfax Water customer, you drink water that consistently surpasses all federal and state standards. Of the 286 compounds we tested for, very few were found in our drinking water. Those we found were in negligible amounts well below the EPA’s maximum contaminant levels.
Click here to view our most recent Annual Water Quality Report.
Who tests the water?
Fairfax Water’s state-certified Water Quality Laboratory performs or manages the testing required by federal and state regulations. In addition to regulatory testing, many other analyses are performed to monitor the quality of Fairfax Water’s raw water sources, water within the treatment process, and water within the distribution system. Water undergoing the treatment process is continuously monitored for pH, turbidity, coagulation efficiency, and disinfectant residuals using technologically advanced online monitoring systems. Chlorine, pH, and temperature testing are also performed at sample location sites throughout the system using portable instrumentation.
Click here to tour our water quality laboratory.