Fairfax County, VA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Fairfax Water, the retail provider for most of the County, follows a staged Drought Response Plan coordinated with the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) and Virginia DEQ. Stages include Watch, Warning, and Emergency. During Drought Watch (voluntary), customers are asked to reduce outdoor watering, fix leaks, and conserve. During Drought Warning, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors can enact restrictions under County Code Chapter 103 (Water Supply) and VA Code §15.2-923 including: limiting lawn watering to specific days/hours (typically before 10 AM or after 6 PM), banning car washing except at commercial facilities using recycled water, prohibiting filling new pools, and banning ornamental fountain operation. Drought Emergency triggers stricter bans and civil penalties (up to $500 per violation, repeat violations higher). Governor of Virginia can declare statewide drought emergency affecting all users. Even outside droughts, water-waste ordinances prohibit uncontrolled runoff onto streets. Rainwater harvesting is allowed and encouraged (VA Code §10.1-603.20). Fairfax Water offers rebates for WaterSense-labeled fixtures and irrigation controllers. Private wells in western Fairfax (Great Falls, Clifton) are not subject to utility restrictions but are affected by state drought declarations. HOAs often have their own watering schedules that may be stricter than utility rules.