The water that we drink is the same water that was on the Earth 4 billion years ago. Water travels in a cycle, so the water on, above and below the surface of the Earth is always moving. For example, stormwater flows into a stream which then flows to rivers, to the Chesapeake Bay, and ultimately to the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the water from streams and rivers is withdrawn and treated at water treatment plants, then sent through pipes to your home. After the water is used, it flows from your house to a wastewater treatment plant. Once the wastewater is treated, it is released back into local waterways. The information below explains where your water comes from and how you can help protect it.

Where does my drinking water come from?

From back yards to streams to the Potomac River, your drinking water can travel a great distance before it reaches your tap. Originating as stormwater, that water comes into your house or building from either a public water service provider or a private well.

Public Water Service: The two primary sources of drinking water in Fairfax County are the Potomac River and the Occoquan Reservoir. Water from these sources is treated and distributed by one of several service providers depending on your location within Fairfax County. Fairfax Water is the largest supplier of drinking water in the county; Fairfax Water draws surface water from the Potomac River and the Occoquan Reservoir (which is fed by the Occoquan River). Other providers are Fairfax City, City of Falls Church, Town of Vienna and Town of Herndon.

Wells: Where public water is not available, private water wells supply water. Groundwater beneath the earth’s surface is the earth’s largest fresh water supply, and protection of this resource is vital. Clean, potable well water is a vital domestic necessity because more than 15,000 homes and businesses in Fairfax County rely on groundwater wells for their domestic water supply. The Fairfax County Health Department reviews and inspects well construction to assure that the groundwater supply is protected from potential contamination. These wells are required to be drilled according to county regulations. Chapter 70.1 of the Code ensures the protection of the public health and the environment through locating, designing, inspecting and approving functional private well water supplies. Contact the Health Department at 703-246-2201, TTY 703-591-6435, or via e-mail for information about permits, installation and approval of private water well.

 

Where does the water from my sink and toilet go?

Water from your tub, sink and toilet goes down the drain, through a series of pipes and to a wastewater treatment plant  where it is cleaned and returned to local waterways. The county owns one treatment plant, the Noman M. Cole Jr. Pollution Control Plant. Through interjurisdictional agreements, a portion of the wastewater flow collected in the system is conveyed to five regional treatment facilities. To learn about the treatment process, watch the Wastewater Management video (Where Does the Flow Go? - kids version), or call 703-550-9740, TTY 703-893-8489.

Where public sewer is not available, a septic system may be installed with the approval from the Fairfax County Health Department's Division of Environmental Health. Septic tank systems, consisting of an underground receiving/holding tank and sub-surface distribution and absorption system for domestic wastes, are used in many parts of Fairfax County where public sewers are not available. Wastewater and solids from sinks, showers, toilets, washing machines and dishwashers that normally flow into a sanitary sewer, flow instead into the septic tank. State law requires regular maintenance of septic tanks. The Fairfax County Code and the Virginia Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act require all septic tanks to be pumped out at least once every five years by a licensed contractor who will provide a written manifest to be sent to the Health Department to verify compliance with the law. Regular tank pumping decreases the likelihood that accumulated sludge and grease will clog the drain field, a major cause of premature system failure and helps to protect ground and surface water resources. For more information, contact the Health Department at 703-246-2201, TTY 703-591-6435, or via e-mail.

 

How can I protect my water?

Each of us makes daily choices that affect the quality of our water and the health of our streams. Protecting our water is something we all can do by being good stewards of this natural resource!

Be the Solution to Pollution

At home, in our yards, during our daily commute – in each of these areas we have the opportunity to make choices that protect our water. During rain storms, an amazing amount of water flows from our rooftops and roads. This runoff causes stream erosion and carries pollutants into our streams.

At home:
- Recycle to keep litter out of streams
- Can the grease (video)
- Don't flush your medications
- Dispose of hazardous materials properly
- Clean with least toxic cleaners
- Pick up after pets, even in natural areas

In your yard:
- Use a soil test to determine how much fertilizer to apply
- Compost
- Limit pesticide use
- If you hire a lawn care company, choose one that has completed a water quality agreement with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Car care:
- Carpool or use alternative transportation when you can
- Maintain your car to limit fluid leaks
- Wash your car on your lawn or at a commercial car wash

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle…Runoff

Collecting rainwater with a rain barrel or cistern can help you put some of that wasted water to work for you. Runoff from rooftops can be stored and used to water gardens and for household chores. Reducing paved areas around your home, increasing planting areas and installing landscape features such as rain gardens will encourage runoff to percolate slowly into the ground where plants, roots and bacteria can help remove pollutants.

Protect Your Stream, Think Green!

Did you know that a single mature red maple tree can intercept up to 13,000 gallons of water per year? That's water that won't end up in the storm drain or cause erosion in our streams. Consider converting a portion of your lawn to mulched perennial beds, or better yet plant native shrubs and trees. Planting trees along our streets, in our yards, in our parks and adjacent to our streams also can improve the quality of our water.

Trees along streams are particularly valuable. They shade the water, resulting in lower water temperatures in hot weather. Cooler water can hold more dissolved oxygen, which benefits fish and other aquatic animals. Leaves from trees and bushes nourish the stream food chain. The dense, deep root systems of trees and shrubs help hold stream banks together during flooding and stems and trunks slow the flow of water.

Natural habitats, such as forests and wetlands, are essential to the health of our streams and other waters. For this reason, they are protected by both state and county ordinances. In Fairfax County, the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance created Resource Protection Areas (RPAs) to protect these critical streamside lands. The ordinance regulates development that can occur in these areas. It also requires homeowners to obtain permits for potentially detrimental activities, including removal of native vegetation. If you need to know if you have RPA on your property, use the county's Digital Map Viewer (select the Chesapeake Bay Map type and enter the grid number for your property) to find the general locations of RPAs in the county.

Volunteer for Clean Water

• Storm drain labeling - Labels on storm drains remind us all to keep our storm drains and streams clean.
• Volunteer water quality monitoring

 

 What is the county doing to protect our water?

Through a number of stewardship and education efforts, Fairfax County seeks ways to use all resources wisely and to protect and enhance the county's natural environment and open space.

• Fairfax County Stewardship: Water
• Water Quality Stewardship Guide
• Watershed Management Planning