The Fairfax County Park Authority will lower water levels at Lake Accotink after Labor Day in order to complete an assessment of the dam. The assessment is being conducted to evaluate the structure to ensure its integrity and identify any maintenance or repair needs.

The marina and dam area will remain fenced, with warning signs in place to remind park patrons to keep off the exposed lakebed for safety reasons, for several weeks. The evaluation is expected to be finished this fall. Then, it may take several weeks for the lake to return to its normal level, depending on regional precipitation.

In spring 2025, when the Park Authority attempted to lower the lake and drain the stilling basin, maintenance staff discovered that the sluice gate could not close properly, preventing us from safely draining the basin. Divers were called back to inspect the gate and found that the stem was damaged, which would not allow reliable operation. The Park Authority paused lowering operations over the summer to avoid conflicting with the recreation season after a newly fabricated stem was created and installed.

Lake Accotink is located at 7500 Accotink Park Road in Springfield, Virginia. For more information about the project, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.