Frederick Water

Frederick County Sanitation Authority, dba Frederick Water, was created by the Frederick County Board of Supervisors by resolution dated April 10, 1967, and incorporated on August 1, 1967 as a Virginia corporation organized and existing under the provisions of the Virginia Water and Waste Authorities Act (Sec. 15.2-5100, et. seq., Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended.) As an Authority, Frederick Water operates independently of Frederick County and the Board of Supervisors; the County and Board of Supervisors have no fiscal responsibility nor oversight of Frederick Water.

History and Mission

Frederick Water has the purpose of acquisition, construction, operation, and maintenance of: (a) an integrated water system for securing raw water, treating, supplying, and distributing water in Frederick County; and, (b) an integrated sewer system for the collection, transmission, treatment of wastewater, and its discharge into appropriate bodies of water in Frederick County. It is empowered to: (a) finance its projects through the issuance of revenue bonds without obtaining referendum approval; and (b) fix and prescribe rates, fees, and charges for services rendered.

Frederick Water is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of five members appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The Board members serve four-year terms and can be reappointed by the County. The Board appoints the Executive Director, who is responsible for the daily management of Frederick Water.

At the July 18, 2017 Board meeting, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to rebrand the Frederick County Sanitation Authority (FCSA) to "Frederick Water." The rebranding initiative was to clarify FCSA’s purpose, and recognize that Frederick County tax revenue is not part of FCSA operations. Executive Director Eric Lawrence explained that August 1, 2017 marked FCSA's 50th Anniversary. The rebranding celebrates the past 50 years, while highlighting efforts underway as we prepare for the next 50 years.

Service Area

Frederick Water provides water and sewer services within the area designated as the Sewer and Water Service Area (SWSA). The SWSA is adopted by the Board of Supervisors as a component of the County's 2035 Comprehensive Plan.

Services

Frederick Water owns and operates two water filtration plants and purchases finished water from the City of Winchester.  Frederick Water also operates two wastewater treatment plants and purchases wastewater treatment from the Opequon Water Reclamation Facility. In 2019, Frederick Water processed an average of 6.5 mgd (million gallons per day) of water and wastewater. Frederick Water currently has over 17,000 water and sewer service customers, which includes residential, commercial, and industrial users.