Fairfax Water (FCWA) issues voluntary lawn-watering guidelines and may invoke mandatory restrictions during declared drought emergencies under its Drought Management Plan and Va. Code 15.2-924.
Fairfax Water serves about two million people across Fairfax County, Alexandria, Loudoun, and Prince William. The FCWA Drought Management Plan defines watch, warning, and emergency stages tied to Potomac and Occoquan source levels. In Stage 1 watch, customers are asked to water lawns no more than twice weekly before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Stage 2 warning prohibits ornamental fountain refills and limits car washing. Stage 3 emergency bans non-essential outdoor water and authorizes surcharges. Restrictions apply countywide when invoked.
During declared emergency stages, civil penalties up to $250 per violation plus surcharge billing of three times normal water rates for usage above baseline.
See how Fairfax's lawn watering restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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