Water Main Breaks
2025

January 9, 2025 -
It has become something of a tradition - New Year's water main breaks contaminating Daniels Run. The same stretch of Daniels Run had the same problem one year ago. Same stream, different broken water main, same results - sediment-filled water, adding further impairment to a stream that is already struggling to support life. These breaks happen on a daily basis, according to the Fairfax Water Leaks & Breaks webpage.

It is rather disheartening that Fairfax Water, being in the very business of clean water, should contribute to stream pollution in this way. The Fairfax Water water main break FAQ's confirm that water (and mud) are pumped out during repairs - "a pump helps to remove water from the excavated trench", followed by flushing of clorinated water, all of it going down the stormdrain to the nearest stream. The cumulative effect on the health of our streams cannot be negligible. Use our Watershed 911 page to find where to report this and other forms of contamination.


Daniels Run filled with smothering sediment

The Fairfax City Fire Department report

January 3, 2024 -
Invasives management volunteers observed gray discoloration and gray coating of the streambed in the east fork of Bear Branch in Southside Park back on December 9th. The color was like sewage leaks, but no odor. Town of Vienna staff responded to investigate, but reached no conclusion. The discoloration was only apparent downstream from Cottage Street.

On January 3rd, staff discovered the true source, a hidden water main leak discharginge into a culvert. The Town of Vienna has its own water supply system, separate from Fairfax Water.


Suspicious sediment in Bear Branch

This old cement bag was not the source
It was this hidden water main leak