Fairfax Water is Winter-Weather Ready!
Our team is committed to providing reliable service 24/7. Fairfax Water crews work around the clock to keep the water flowing, no matter the weather.!
Winter Water Tips: Protect Your Pipes
Cold weather can lead to frozen pipes and costly damage. Here are a few simple steps to help prevent winter water problems:
- To keep pipes from freezing, allow a faucet to drip cold water slowly. At a minimum, the dripping faucet should be the one that is the greatest distance from your main water shut-off valve. Also, consider allowing a slow drip in areas that are least protected from the cold, such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, the garage
- Locate and mark your main shut-off valve so you can quickly turn off water in an emergency
- Turn off and drain outdoor faucets to prevent freezing
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages. Check for drafts and seal them
- Keep your thermostat at a safe temperature if you’re away from home
- Never use an open flame to thaw pipes—it’s dangerous. If pipes freeze, use safe methods or call for help
- If your water meter freezes, call 703.698.5800, TTY 711 during business hours or 703.698.5613, TTY 711 after hours
Taking these precautions can help you avoid winter water disasters. For more tips, visit https://www.fairfaxwater.org/winter-water-tips.
Water Main Breaks
To report a water main break or other water-related emergency, please click here, or you call us at: 703.698.5613, TTY 711.
Use salt wisely – Protect sidewalks and our source water.
In the winter, salt keeps us safe while we are on the move, but it also leads to higher levels of salt in the region’s drinking water supply, including the Potomac River and Occoquan Reservoir. Learn more and be winter salt smart!
Winter Salt and Your Drinking Water
When snow and ice arrive, salt helps keep roads safe—but it can also impact our water supply. Salt runoff enters streams and groundwater, raising chloride levels in drinking water sources. High chloride can harm aquatic life, corrode pipes, and affect water taste.
What can you do?
- Use salt sparingly and only where needed
- Sweep up excess salt after ice melts
- Consider alternatives like sand or calcium magnesium acetate for traction
Small changes make a big difference in protecting our water quality. Learn more at https://www.fairfaxwater.org/winter-salt.