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How can I have the water in my home tested for lead?

| FAQ

Certified laboratories that analyze for lead are available and can be found by clicking here or by calling 804-225-4949, TTY 711. 

Where can I find more information about lead in drinking water?

| FAQ

Information about lead is also available on the below websites. Additional information is available from the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791; TTY 711 Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST. 

Service Authority Celebrates National Drinking Water Week

| Press Release
Date Posted:
May 2, 2024

WOODBRIDGE, VA, May 2, 2024 – The Prince William County Service Authority joins communities across North America in celebrating Drinking Water Week from May 5 to 11. Drinking Water Week highlights the importance of safe drinking water and recognizes the efforts of water professionals who keep water flowing 24/7 in our communities. 
 

Service Authority Wins National Award for Operational Efficiency

| Press Release
Date Posted:
June 13, 2024

WOODBRIDGE, VA, June 13, 2024 —The Prince William County Service Authority has received the inaugural Trimble Infinity Award for Excellence in Capital Program and Infrastructure Asset Lifecycle Management. This award recognizes outstanding achievements in capital program and infrastructure management among utilities, city, county and state governments, as well as educational institutions.

What should I know about the hardness of my water?

| FAQ

Many industrial and domestic water users are concerned about the hardness of their water. Hard water requires more soap and synthetic detergents for home laundry and washing, and contributes to scaling in boilers and industrial equipment. Hardness is caused by compounds of calcium and magnesium and by a variety of other metals. Water is an excellent solvent and readily dissolves minerals it comes in contact with. As water moves through soil and rock, it dissolves very small amounts of minerals and holds them in solution. Calcium and magnesium dissolved in water are the two most common minerals that make water "hard." 

The hardness of water is referred to by three types of measurements: grains per gallon, milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). The table below is provided as a reference.y compounds of calcium and magnesium and by a variety of other metals. Water is an excellent solvent and readily dissolves minerals it comes in contact with. As water moves through soil and rock, it dissolves very small amounts of minerals and holds them in solution. Calcium and magnesium dissolved in water are the two most common minerals that make water "hard." 

The hardness of water is referred to by three types of measurements: grains per gallon, milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). The table below is provided as a reference.

Water Hardness Scale
Grains Per GallonMilligrams Per Liter (mg/L)
or Parts Per Million (ppm)
Classification
less than 1.0less than 17.1Soft
1.0 - 3.517.1 - 60Slightly Hard
3.5 - 7.060 - 120Moderately Hard
7.0 - 10.5120 - 180Hard
over 10.5over 180Very Hard

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes standards for drinking water which fall into two categories — Primary Standards and Secondary Standards. Primary Standards are based on health considerations and Secondary Standards are based on aesthetics such as taste, odor, color or corrosivity. There is no Primary or Secondary standard for water hardness. In fact, the National Research Council (National Academy of Sciences) states that hard drinking water generally contributes a small amount toward total calcium and magnesium human dietary needs (National Research Council, Drinking Water and Health, Volume 3, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 1980) ​

Service Authority Annual Water System Spring Flushing Gets Underway

| Press Release
Date Posted:
March 28, 2024

WOODBRIDGE, VA, Mar 28, 2024 — From late March until mid-May 2024, Prince William County Service Authority personnel and trucks will be at various locations throughout our service area to perform the annual water system flushing. Crews will open fire hydrants in brief intervals to forcefully draw water through our network of pipes and dislodge sediments and minerals that may have collected during the year. 

How long does it take to repair a water main break?

| FAQ

Every water main break is different, and the amount of time required to fix them varies due to pipe material, pipe size, the type and cause of the break and how accessible the pipe is. 

Prince William Water crews work to fix a main break safely and as quickly as possible.

What if my water needs are significantly greater than my sewer needs?

| FAQ

Customers paying for water and sewer services pay for similar capacity because all water can enter the sewer system. A water-only account is recommended for non-sewer water use. Water-only accounts are connected to the water supply but not the sewer. Purchase capacity individually for a water-only account. Engineers from Prince William Water will gladly discuss this possibility with clients. Customers should contact Prince William Water's Engineering & Planning Division at 703-335-7930 for assistance.