Community Comment: Reasons to Resolve Water Dispute

Falls Church resident George A. Pavelis addressed City Council April 27 and submitted his remarks to the Falls Church Times as a Community Comment.

Madam Mayor and Members of the Council,

These are some very brief observations concerning the present dispute involving the water systems of the Fairfax County Water Authority and the independent City of Falls Church, Virginia.

It would appear that there would be considerable dividends to the northern Virginia region, the Water Authority, and the City of Falls Church for the County and City to get together and resolve their dispute without further court action.

The dispute offers an opportunity for both to become less provincial and work within a community framework to plan for and ensure the long-term success, public health and environmental quality of the Northern Virginia area as a whole.

Merging the two water systems is not being particularly advocated here but would seem to be a viable option for resolving the present dispute and avoiding needless future controversies between competing water systems.

At the minimum, firm agreements on service areas, common pricing policies, and equitable rate structures would seem to be in order.

The political and legal talent necessary to achieve this is available on both sides of this unfortunate and costly dispute.

Click below to view the 2-minute video.

Read the Falls Church Times 4-part series on the Water War Between Falls Church and Fairfax County below:

Part 1: A Tale of Two Lawsuits

Part 2: How City Lost Suit Against Fairfax County

Part 3: An Appeal Denied

Part 4: The Authority Strikes Back