Each spring, Fairfax Water flushes its water mains by opening fire hydrants and allowing them to flow freely for a short period of time. We do this to maintain the high water quality in our distribution system. You will likely notice Fairfax Water personnel in your neighborhood operating hydrants from late March through June.

During this time, our treatment process switches from using combined chlorine to free chlorine. This will start on March 21, 2022, and end on May 9, 2022, for customers in Fairfax City and others who receive water from Washington Aqueduct (click here for a map).

How to recognize Fairfax Water employees:

• Our employees will be driving vehicles identified with the Fairfax Water logo
• Our employees will be displaying a sign that identifies the employee as part of the Fairfax Water flushing program
• Our employees will be wearing uniforms with the same Fairfax Water logo

Flushing may result in temporary discoloration and the presence of sediment in your water. These conditions are not harmful and should be of very short duration. 

Click here to visit the Fairfax Water website for more information — or call (24-hour access): 703-698-5613, TTY 711.