No-Swimming Policy

The purpose of the Occoquan Reservoir No-Swimming Policy is to protect the quality of the Reservoir for water supply purposes. The Reservoir was constructed for and is maintained and operated as a major drinking water source serving Northern Virginia. For many years, Fairfax Water has posted signs at the Reservoir indicating that swimming is prohibited. The No-Swimming Policy provides the basis for this continuing prohibition.

Fairfax Water is the owner of the land underlying the Occoquan Reservoir. It is also the holder of various easements along the shoreline. The easements permit certain limited uses by adjoining land owners to access the Reservoir for purposes of boating and fishing, but not swimming. These activities are subject to reasonable rules set forth by Fairfax Water (see information on Fairfax Water’s Shoreline Easement Policy).

Applicability

The Occoquan No-Swimming Policy applies to all areas of the Occoquan Reservoir owned by Fairfax Water and within its easements. This includes those portions of the Occoquan River and Bull Run in Fairfax County and Prince William County extending from the Fairfax Water Lower Occoquan Dam upstream to Lake Jackson on the Occoquan River and extending from the mouth of Bull Run upstream to the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative power line crossing on Bull Run near Hemlock Overlook Park.

Addressing Non-Compliance

Violators of the Occoquan No-Swimming Policy will be reported to law enforcement authorities and are subject to civil and criminal remedies for trespass. To advise Fairfax Water of non-compliances you may email outreach@fairfaxwater.org or call 703.289.6060.

No Liability

Fairfax Water will not be liable for any damage or injury to any persons or property resulting from either their authorized or their unauthorized use of the Occoquan Reservoir.

What Else Should I Know?

Permissible recreational use of the Occoquan Reservoir does include boating and fishing; however, Fairfax County and Prince William County ordinances limit boat motors to no more than 10 hp.

Landowner activities in the Occoquan Reservoir shoreline easement must comply with Fairfax Water’s Shoreline Easement Policy as well as any applicable local, state or federal laws or regulations.

Fairfax Water will post signs along the Reservoir advising the public of the prohibitions of the No-Swimming Policy. To suggest places for additional signs, please email outreach@fairfaxwater.org or call 703.289.6060, TTY 711.

For More Information

To ask questions or to obtain a copy of the Occoquan No-Swimming Policy contact:

Fairfax Water
Source Water Planning and Protection
703-289-6060, TTY 711
outreach@fairfaxwater.org