Why You’re Seeing Open Hydrants around the Community
If you’ve spotted water running from hydrants lately, there’s no cause for concern -- Fairfax Water’s annual water main flushing is in full swing.
Each spring, crews open hydrants across the system to move fresh water through the pipes and clear out naturally occurring sediment. It’s a quick, important process that helps keep our drinking water clean, safe, and high quality.
During flushing, you may briefly notice changes like slightly discolored water, a small amount of sediment, or a more noticeable chlorine taste or smell. These effects are normal and not harmful, and they typically pass quickly.
If you’re sensitive to chlorine, keeping an open container of water in the refrigerator can help the taste dissipate. To learn more, visit fairfaxwater.org or call 703‑698‑5613 (TTY 711).
|
Check Your Toilet for Leaks and Save Water
Did you know that leaky toilets are the most common source of household water loss? A quick, simple test can help you find out if your toilet is silently wasting water.
Just add a dye tablet or a few drops of red or blue food dye. Here’s how to check:
- Flush your toilet.
- Wait five minutes, then remove the tank lid.
- Place one dye tablet or five drops of food dye into the tank. Wait 15 minutes.
- If the dye appears in the bowl, you have a leak.
To learn more about common causes of toilet leaks and how to detect other types of leaks in your home, visit Fairfax Water.
|
Council Reporter for March 24 Meeting
 Pictured from left to right: Mayor Catherine Read and City Councilmembers Anthony Amos, Billy Bates, Stacy Hall, Stacey Hardy-Chandler, Rachel McQuillen, and Thomas Peterson.
The city council met on March 24. View the full Council Reporter with linked videos of the discussions. A summary is provided below.
Presentations and Proclamations
- Mayor Catherine Read presented a proclamation acknowledging March 31, 2026, as Transgender Day of Visibility in the City of Fairfax. Reverend Emma Chattin, Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia, received the proclamation.
Consent Agenda
- Adopted a resolution establishing procedures for use of the construction management and design-build methods for construction contracting.
Public Hearings
- Held a public hearing to consider an ordinance amending and reenacting Chapter 38 (Environment), Article II (Noise), of the Code of the City of Fairfax, Virginia, pertaining to noise mitigation and the regulation of loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noises. Approved continuing the public hearing and deferring action until May 12.
- Held a public hearing on the proposed FY 2027 budget. (No council action.)
Work Session
- The city’s financial advisors, Davenport & Company LLC, presented a proposed financing for the planned school renovations, capital improvement program, and wastewater capital expenses. The city’s stormwater program manager provided an update on the status of the Stormwater Utility Fund.
- Discussed a possible increase in salaries paid to the mayor and city council members. The current maximum salaries permitted for jurisdictions with populations between 20,000-34,999 are $24,000 for mayors and $22,000 for council members.
Section 2-31 of the City Code, last amended in 2015, and effective in 2016, set the current annual salary for the mayor at $13,000 and for each council member at $12,000.
If a full increase to the maximum were adopted, this would equate to an additional $77,000 in annual expenses (salary and associated fringe costs). Any increase would not impact the FY 2027 budget since it could not legally be effective until July 1, 2027 (FY 2028), at the earliest.
A city council work session is scheduled for April 7. View the agenda (subject to change). Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday nights in City Hall. Watch meetings live on Channel 12 (COX/Verizon) and online, or catch a replay at 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Visit the city meetings website.
Review the Proposed FY 2027 Budget, Share Feedback
Register for Civic Connections: Understanding Fairfax City
The Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Fairfax and the Fairfax Forward Foundation, proudly announces its second cohort of Civic Connections: Understanding Fairfax City, a civic engagement program designed to educate and empower community members.
Set to begin April 8, this free, eight-week series offers a behind-the-scenes look into the inner workings of Fairfax City government, services, and community initiatives. Open to both residents and local business owners, the program promotes transparency, builds connections, and encourages active civic participation.
Each week, participants will meet in different locations across the city to explore key topics such as budgeting, economic development, public safety, education, transportation, and more. Interactive activities like role-playing, facility tours, and hands-on simulations are built into every session to ensure dynamic learning experiences.
Watch a short video to hear what past participants said about the program.
|
Participate in the Spring Community Cleanup, April 19
Back for another season, the Spring Community Cleanup will take place 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, April 19.
Help make a difference by removing litter and invasive plants along our parks, trails, and other shared community spaces. This event is perfect for individuals, groups, and families and has flexible times and locations to participate.
Registration is required at least one week in advance to ensure staff can assign your volunteer location. Register and learn more: https://www.fairfaxva.gov/communitycleanup
|
Plant a Native Tree this Spring!
Now through May, Fairfax City households can order one free tree online! Choose direct delivery to your address, or pick up your tree in-person at the city's Arbor Day celebration at Pat Rodio Park on Saturday, April 25.
Select from nine unique species available by visiting our tree giveaway website at arborday.org/cityoffairfax.
|
Register for Bike to Work Day, May 15
|
