Lead Free Fairfax
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Fairfax Water is committed to providing safe drinking water to our customers, and that means being proactive in adhering to the requirements of the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR).
At Fairfax Water, we have a long history of proactively protecting our customers from lead. Because of this, the drinking water we produce is well below the maximum lead levels set forth by the EPA.To maintain excellent water quality, Fairfax Water is implementing the “Lead Free Fairfax” program to educate you on the rule, how lead exposure can affect your health, and how you can reduce lead exposure at home.
Lead and Copper Rule Background Information
The Lead and Copper Rule is a regulation initially published by the United States EPA in 1991 requiring water utilities to take specific actions to prevent lead and copper from leaching into the public’s drinking water. Exposure to lead in drinking water can result in a myriad of adverse health effects, especially in infants and children.
The Lead and Copper Rule has undergone various revisions since its inception in 1991. The most recent revisions set forth in 2021 mandate that all water utilities plan to test for lead more frequently at schools and childcares, develop an inventory of the water service lines within their system, and create a plan to replace lead service lines if they are found. The Lead Free Fairfax program will address these requirements and keep the Fairfax community safe from lead in drinking water.
Fairfax Water is Taking Action
Fairfax Water is updating its inventory of service line materials and working to identify any lead service lines within its water system. The initial inventory was completed in October 2024. Additionally, we have a longstanding history of using corrosion control treatments to prevent lead from leaching into water, and keeping the drinking water we produce well below the maximum lead levels set forth by the EPA.
If you believe your home's plumbing contains lead, Fairfax Water recommends using a water filter with an NSF 53 certification to remove lead and getting your tap water tested for lead. You can have your water tested for lead by the Fairfax County Health Department. They can be reached by phone at 703-246-3218, TTY 711. You can also have your water tested by a state-certified laboratory. Please note that there may be a fee associated with these tests. A list of certified drinking water laboratories is located here.
We are here to help! Contact us today if you have questions on this important topic.
| Customer Service |
|---|
| 703.698.5800 |
| leadfree@fairfaxwater.org |
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Health Effects of Lead in Drinking Water
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How can I be exposed to lead?
Lead is a naturally occurring material that has been used in many residential and industrial settings. Therefore, there is a risk that we may be exposed to it at work or at home. Previously, lead was thought of as a good material for water pipes due to its soft nature and flexibility. Because of this historical practice, some homes may have water service lines, plumbing, kitchen fixtures, or bathroom fixtures that contain lead. Other potential sources of lead include lead-based paint, dust, jewelry, and some plastics. The graphic below shows where these sources of lead may be in your home.
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Click here for the Spanish version of the service line graphic.
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How can lead exposure affect my health?
Anyone can experience adverse health effects from lead exposure, but infants and children are at the greatest risk. Potential health impacts to infants and children include decreases in IQ and attention span, as well as the development or worsening of learning and behavioral problems. Those who are exposed as children may also face problems with decreased bone and tissue growth, as well as anemia. The children of women who have been exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can experience these same health effects. While adults are less at risk for adverse health effects than children, lead exposure may still be harmful. Adults who are exposed to lead can have increased risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, and nervous system or kidney disorders. Lead exposure in adults has also been linked to dysfunction in the digestive and reproductive systems.
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How can I reduce my lead exposure at home?
Check your plumbing.
- Verify that all faucets and fixtures in your home are lead-free.
- Clean out your faucet aerators regularly. After removing the aerator, flush the tap with cold water for 5 minutes.
- Know your service line material. Take our online survey to identify and report your service line material. Grab your smartphone, head to the water shut-off valve inside your home, click here to identify your service line material and complete the survey.
Use cold water for drinking and preparing food.
- Always use cold tap water for drinking and preparing food. Lead may settle and concentrate in hot water tanks. Hot water is more likely to dissolve lead from solder and brass fittings.
Flush your taps.
- Run the water from infrequently used taps for at least 5 minutes prior to cooking with it or drinking it if the water has gone unused for more than 6 hours. This will prevent consuming water that has sat exposed to any lead. If you have a known lead service line and your house is sent far from the street, you may need to flush longer. You may choose to use the water from this initial flush to water plants or to wash dishes.
If you have reason to believe your plumbing may contain lead...
- You can have your water tested for lead by the Fairfax County Health Department. They can be reached by phone at 703-246-3218, TTY 711. You can also have your water tested by a state-certified laboratory. Please note that there may be a fee associated with these tests.
- You can use a NSF 53 certified water filter.
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What steps is Fairfax Water taking?
Fairfax Water is taking several proactive steps to mitigate customers’ exposure to lead in drinking water. Fairfax Water is updating its inventory of service line materials and working to identify any lead service lines within its water system. Additionally, Fairfax Water uses corrosion control treatments to prevent lead from leaching into water. Historically, lead in our system has test well below the maximum lead levels set forth by the EPA.