7 Critical Facts About Arlington County VA Water Quality, Source, And 2025 Utility Rates
Arlington County, Virginia's water system is a vital, complex network that serves hundreds of thousands of residents, and understanding its quality, source, and cost is essential for every homeowner and renter. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the county's water continues to meet or exceed all federal and state safety standards, a testament to rigorous testing and treatment processes.
This deep dive provides the most current information available, including key findings from the 2024 water quality reports, details on the water's origin, and the recent changes to utility rates that took effect in the current fiscal year. The county is also embarking on a massive, multi-billion dollar infrastructure investment to secure clean water for the next generation.
The Source of Arlington’s Drinking Water and Treatment Process
For a county that is a major hub in the National Capital Region, the water supply is surprisingly straightforward but relies on a critical regional partnership. This section breaks down exactly where Arlington's water comes from and how it is made safe for consumption.
Potomac River: The Primary Water Source
The vast majority of Arlington County’s drinking water originates from a single, powerful source: the Potomac River. This major river serves as the lifeblood for the entire Washington metropolitan area, providing the raw water that is then purified for public use.
The raw water is not treated by Arlington County directly. Instead, it is processed at the Dalecarlia Water Treatment Plant, which is operated by the Washington Aqueduct, a division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This regional approach ensures a consistent, high-volume supply and standardized treatment across multiple jurisdictions.
Treatment and Quality Assurance
The Dalecarlia Water Treatment Plant utilizes a multi-stage process to transform river water into safe, potable drinking water. This advanced treatment typically includes:
- Sedimentation: Allowing heavy particles to settle out.
- Filtration: Passing the water through layers of sand and gravel to remove smaller impurities.
- Disinfection: Using chloramine (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) to kill bacteria and viruses and maintain a residual disinfectant level in the distribution system.
Arlington County Public Utilities then manages the distribution of this treated water through its extensive network of water mains, storage tanks, and pumping stations. The county’s testing program is relentless, involving routine water sampling analysis throughout the distribution and storage system to ensure continuous compliance with all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Virginia Department of Health (VDH) standards.
A Note on Willston Water Supply
While the rest of the county receives its water from the Dalecarlia Plant, a small section, specifically the Willston area, purchases its water from Fairfax Water. This ensures all parts of the county have access to a reliable, treated water supply, even with the complexities of regional boundaries.
2024/2025 Water Quality Report: Key Findings and Contaminant Levels
The Annual Water Quality Report, often called the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), provides a transparent look at what is in your water. The 2024 report confirms that Arlington’s water quality is excellent, but it also provides specific data points that residents often inquire about.
Current Average Arlington Water Compound Levels (2024 Data):
- Hardness: 8 grains/gal or 129 mg/L. This classifies Arlington’s water as moderately hard. Hard water can lead to mineral buildup (scale) in pipes and appliances.
- pH Level: 7.5. This is slightly alkaline, which helps to minimize corrosion in the county’s distribution pipes.
- Chloramine Residual: 2 mg/L. This is the disinfectant level maintained to prevent microbial growth as the water travels to your tap.
- Fluoride: 0.7 ppm. This level is maintained for dental health benefits, adhering to public health recommendations.
- Sodium: 21 ppm. A low level, generally not a concern for health.
Addressing Concerns About Lead in Drinking Water
One of the most frequently asked questions concerns lead. The 2024 report emphasizes that lead is primarily a risk from materials and components within a home’s internal plumbing, not from the Potomac River source or the county’s main water distribution system.
Arlington County Public Utilities actively works to minimize this risk by utilizing corrosion control techniques during the treatment process. However, the ultimate responsibility for lead mitigation rests with property owners, who may choose to test their water or flush their taps, especially after the water has been sitting unused for several hours. The county provides resources and information on lead testing for residents.
Understanding the New Arlington County VA Water and Sewer Rates
Utility rates are crucial for funding the massive operational and capital costs of maintaining a reliable water system. Effective July 1, the Arlington County Board approved changes to the water and sewer utility rates.
The Quarterly Base Charge Increase
Residential customers saw an increase in their quarterly bill. The combined quarterly base charges for water and sewer increased by $5.04, bringing the new total to $29.89 per quarter. This increase is necessary to fund the ongoing maintenance, repair, and replacement of aging infrastructure.
The new base charges, effective for the current fiscal year, are broken down as follows:
- Residential Water Base Charge: Approximately $16.82 per quarter.
- Residential Sewer Base Charge: Approximately $13.98 per quarter.
In addition to the base charge, customers pay a consumption charge based on the volume of water used. These funds support the Arlington Department of Environmental Services (DES) in delivering clean water and managing wastewater and stormwater runoff.
Financial Assistance Programs
For residents facing financial hardship, the county offers utility assistance programs. These programs are designed to help low-income households manage their water and sewer bills, ensuring that essential utility services remain accessible to all citizens of Arlington County. Information on eligibility and application can be found through the Department of Environmental Services.
Massive Capital Investment and Future Water Security
The long-term security and reliability of Arlington’s water system depend on continuous investment in its infrastructure. The county is currently executing a significant Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that will shape the water landscape for decades.
The FY25-FY34 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
In July 2024, the Arlington County Board adopted a monumental $5.2 billion FY25-FY34 CIP. A substantial portion of this plan is dedicated to essential water and sewer infrastructure projects, including:
- Water Main Replacements: Replacing old water mains to prevent leaks, breaks, and service disruptions.
- Sanitary Sewer Collection System: Major upgrades to the sewer system to support existing and future population density, a plan approved for the first time in over two decades.
- Stormwater Management: Projects aimed at improving the county's ability to handle heavy rainfall and reduce flooding, particularly in areas like Four Mile Run.
Updating the Water Distribution Master Plan
The county is also actively updating its Water Distribution Master Plan. This comprehensive planning document will guide future infrastructure decisions, ensuring the system is resilient, efficient, and capable of meeting the demands of a growing community. Public comment opportunities are typically included in this process, allowing residents to weigh in on the future of their water system.
Handling Water Main Breaks
Despite ongoing maintenance, water main breaks are an inevitable part of managing an aging infrastructure. The county maintains an interactive water main break map that shows ongoing repairs and work completed within the last 30 days, providing real-time transparency to residents. While a recent water main break prompted a boil water advisory in one area, the Department of Environmental Services quickly completed repairs and restored service, demonstrating the utility's rapid response capability.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Clean and Reliable Water
Arlington County, VA, maintains a high standard for its drinking water, a fact supported by the latest 2024 data and compliance reports. From the Potomac River source and the advanced treatment at the Dalecarlia Plant to the dedicated work of the Department of Environmental Services, the system is robust. However, this quality comes with a cost, reflected in the necessary utility rate increases to fund the massive, multi-year Capital Improvement Plan. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about water quality, infrastructure projects, and available financial assistance to remain engaged with this essential public utility.
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