Fairfax Water is pleased to announce that both of its treatment plants received the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Office of Drinking Water Gold Award for Performance Excellence. Gold Awards are granted by VDH to drinking water treatment plants that surpass regulatory water quality standards. The James J. Corbalis, Jr. Treatment Plant in Herndon treats water from the Potomac River, and the Frederick P. Griffith, Jr. Treatment Plant in Lorton treats water from the Occoquan Reservoir.
These prestigious awards are part of Virginia's Optimization Program and directly reflect the quality and safety of the drinking water Fairfax Water provides. The mission of Virginia’s Optimization Program is to encourage water utilities to provide water with a quality that exceeds minimum regulatory standards and to operate water systems in an exemplary manner. The Gold Award demonstrates that Fairfax Water’s treatment plants are going above and beyond to ensure the water is exceptionally clean and safe.
“These awards reflect the incredible efforts of the Fairfax Water team. Their unwavering commitment to excellence is demonstrated by the safe, reliable water produced continuously for more than two million residents of Northern Virginia who drink and use it every day,” stated Jamie Bain Hedges, General Manager and CEO of Fairfax Water. “I am very proud of their accomplishment and dedication to safeguarding our community’s critical resource – water.”
A dedicated team of 80 professionals, including plant operators, laboratory staff, instrumentation technicians, electricians, and mechanics, work around the clock to ensure the plants run at peak performance. Fairfax Water’s staff plays a vital role in ensuring Northern Virginia has access to one of the most essential resources for life: clean and safe drinking water. Together, they oversee complex treatment processes that remove contaminants and safeguard public health. Their work directly reflects the immense value of water—it is not just a basic need but also a building block for a thriving and resilient community. Every drop that reaches homes, schools, and businesses is a testament to Fairfax Water’s commitment, dedication, and expertise.
To learn more about water treatment and water quality, view a treatment plant tour here or our most recent Annual Water Quality Report here.