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Water Quality Programs
The City of Alexandria's water is regulated by many different federal, state, and local offices. Our office issues well permits, and will conduct inspections of wells and marinas. To learn more about other water quality issues in the city, contact the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services, Office of Environmental Quality or the Alexandria Sanitation Authority.
Find answers to frequently asked questions about boil water notices here.
Private Wells / Marinas / Fairfax Water / American Water / Lead
PFAS Information
Wondering about PFAS, another name for Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)? You can find updated information about PFAS, local regulations, and health guidance from local water quality organization Fairfax Water. Some health guidance shared by Fairfax Water includes:
- Support efforts to protect drinking water sources and keep PFAS out of water supplies.
- Read ingredient lists and choose products without PTFE or perfluoro- or polyfluor- in their names. :
- Cook with stainless steel, cast-iron, glass, or ceramics. Try not to use nonstick cookware.
- Look for coats, hats, and boots labeled “water-resistant.” They are less likely to have PFAS than waterproof products.
- Avoid ordering food in grease-resistant wrappers or containers.
- Avoid carpets and upholstery treated to be stain or water-resistant; decline stain treatment.
- Ask manufacturers if their products have PFAS. These chemicals are often not listed. However, given that many PFAS cannot be measured yet, products cannot be confirmed “PFAS-free.”
Food Safety Program
Aquatic Health & Safety Program
Vector-Borne Illness Prevention Program
The Vector-Borne Illness Prevention program, or Vector Program, works to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria that use insects and animals (or vectors) to spread. The Vector Program deals mainly with the surveillance, prevention and control of mosquitoes and responding to potential rabies exposures.
Mosquitoes | Rabies | Ticks | Bed Bugs | West Nile
Animal Bites / Rabies Prevention
The Health Department oversees investigations for potential rabies exposures. The Vector Program staff and epidemiologists track bites and possible rabies exposures to both people and animals within the City. This is done by partnering with Animal Control, local physicians and veterinarians.
Rabies | Animal Control | Epidemiology
Hotel Sanitation Program
This program permits and inspects various hotels, motels, hostels, and bed & breakfasts in the City of Alexandria.