Water Quality Reports

March 2023 Statement on Proposed Federal Regulation of Six Types of PFAS: "Arlington has been closely following these proposed regulations and working with regional partners on this issue to ensure the County’s water supply continues to meet or exceed all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Virginia Department of Health safety standards." Read the statement in full. PFAS FAQ.

We’re committed to providing residents with a safe and reliable supply of high-quality drinking water. We test water using sophisticated equipment and advanced procedures. The Water, Sewer, Streets Bureau meets state and federal standards for water quality. The annual “Consumer Confidence Report,” required by the Safe Drinking Water Act from the Environmental Protection Agency, tells you where your water comes from, what our tests show about it and other things you should know about drinking water.


Willston Pressure Zone

Arlington County purchases water for the Willston Pressure Zone from Fairfax Water which gets its water from the Washington Aqueduct Division of the Army Corps of Engineers. This zone is considered a consecutive water system that requires its own sampling and monitoring. If you live within the Willston Pressure Zone, please reference the Willston Water Quality Reports below.

To obtain a printed report or for questions about your drinking water, call 703-228-6555 

2022 Average Arlington Compounds Levels

  • Hardness: 7 grains/gal or 124 mg/L
  • pH: 7.3
  • Chloramine Residual: 2.1 mg/L
  • Fluoride: 0.6 ppm
  • Sodium: 24 ppm
  • Nickel: 0.6 ppb
  • Calcium: 36 mg/L
  • Chloride: 38 mg/L
  • Magnesium: 8 mg/L
  • Sulfate: 41 mg/L

Note to Property Managers of Multifamily Homes: Please post this report in a public area of any building managed in Arlington County. If additional copies are needed, call 703-228-6555 or email us.

Frequently Asked Questions About PFAS

What are PFAS/where do they come from?

PFAS are a group of chemicals made of perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances. There are about 3,000 chemicals in the group. These chemicals have fluorine and carbon atoms bonded strongly together. PFAS in the environment are persistent - they’re known as forever chemicals. PFAS are in products made to resist heat, grease, stains and friction.  

Nonstick pans, paints, degreasers, and fire-fighting foam, as well as consumer products like clothing, cosmetics, upholstery and carpet, and grease-resistant food packaging often have PFAS.  

Why are PFAS a problem?

PFAS do not break down in the environment. One or more PFAS compounds is found in the blood of most Americans, at low levels. However, this does not mean they will cause a health problem. Exposure to humans can occur by eating, inhaling, or even touching the product.

How does PFAS get into water supplies?

The main sources of PFAS water contamination are industries that make or use PFAS in their products, and military bases and airfields that have conducted fire-fighting training.  

The PFAS gets into wastewater and stormwater and runs off into streams, rivers or groundwater.  


What can I do?

Read labels and try to avoid using products with PFAS, like some non-stick pans, paints, degreasers, and fire-fighting foams, as well as consumer products like water-proof clothing, certain cosmetics, stain-resistant upholstery and carpet, and food packaging.  

Stay away from products with ingredients that list PTFE or perfluoro- or polyfluor- anything.  

Support efforts to protect drinking water sources from PFAS. 

Visit the EPA’s website for more information.