Fairfax, VA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

The City of Fairfax receives potable water through Fairfax Water, the largest water authority in Virginia, which draws from the Occoquan Reservoir and the Potomac River. During normal conditions, no routine watering restrictions apply in Fairfax. When the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) declares a drought watch, warning, or emergency affecting the Potomac or Occoquan basin, Fairfax Water and the City of Fairfax implement staged restrictions. Voluntary conservation measures are typically requested first, encouraging residents to limit watering to early morning (before 10 AM) or evening (after 6 PM) to reduce evaporation, use soaker hoses instead of sprinklers, and defer non-essential uses. Mandatory restrictions during severe drought may include prohibiting daytime lawn watering, limiting irrigation to odd-numbered addresses on odd-numbered calendar days and even addresses on even days, banning washing of vehicles at home (commercial car washes with recycled water remain open), prohibiting filling new pools and fountains, and banning power washing of exterior surfaces. Violations can result in fines starting around 50 dollars for first offense, escalating with repeat violations, and chronic violators may have service throttled. Water-wise landscaping including native plants, mulching, efficient irrigation, and rain gardens reduces drought vulnerability and is encouraged year-round. Governor-declared drought emergencies under Virginia Code Section 44-146.17 can impose statewide restrictions.