Water Quality 

Woodside Lake water quality is tested from the Spring through the Fall to ensure the quality levels are acceptable for swimming and boating. Virginia Waters and Wetlands does monthly sampling and provides results to the Maintenance chair. Should an issue with water quality arise, signs will be posted at the lake and a notice will be placed on this website.

General Safety at the Lake 

1. WOODSIDE LAKE AND PARK (including the gravel road trail) is private property in its entirety. Its use is strictly limited to members and their guests. USE OF THE LAKE AND PARK IS AT THE RISK OF THE USER AND ALL USERS ASSUME ALL RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH RESULTING THEREFROM. All members complete/sign a waiver statement with the annual membership application. 
2. USE OF LAKE: The use of the Lake and Park is limited to members in good standing (those who have paid their dues and completed current waivers). All members must follow the rules posted at the Lake bulletin board, gates, on this website, and any updated information provided in correspondence from the Board or designee(s). Non-compliance with lake rules could result in loss of membership or other actions. Use caution while on lake property, including use of the trail (dam road) between Brook Road and Overlook Road. The trail conditions include uneven terrain, rocks, fallen branches and slippery mud after rains.
3. GATE ACCESS: The walk-through gate access and the double gate access fence must be kept locked at all times. Members are not to share the lake gate access code(s) with guests and non-members. Gate access code changes are emailed directly to members only. The gate entry to the trail between Brook Road and Overlook Road does not have an access lock.
4. HOURS OF USE: Use of the Park and Lake is limited from 7 am to dusk. No one is to be at the Lake and Park after dark. Violators may be prosecuted. Avoid use of the dam road trail after dark due to hazardous conditions. For special circumstances, any extension of these hours must be arranged in advance with an Officer or Board member (email in advance to woodsidelake@gmail.com.
5. GUESTS: Members may bring guests to the Lake or Park. Any member who brings a guest is responsible for informing the guest of the risks associated with use of the lake and park as set forth in the disclosure form. More than 10 guests is considered a party (see below and the EVENTS section of this website for current guidance).
6. PARTIES: A member desiring to have a party (defined as more than 10 non-members) must register with the Board secretary or designee. Guests must be accompanied at all times by a member. (See EVENTS section of the webpage for details and/or email the Board at woodsidelake@gmail.com ).
7. ALCOHOL: Reasonable consumption of alcoholic beverages is allowed on Lake property for members and their guests who are of the legal drinking age (21 and over). Consumption of alcoholic beverages by individuals under 21 is strictly prohibited. Members and/or their guests who exhibit untoward behaviors will be asked to leave the Lake and/or other actions taken.
8. CLOTHING: Appropriate and respectable clothing and swimwear will be worn at all times.
9. CHILDREN: Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Members are responsible for the safety of their children. Life vests are encouraged for all non- swimmers whenever they are near the water.
10. WATERCRAFT (boats, canoes, kayaks, rafts, etc.) are not to be used within the beach and shoreline dock areas. NO motorized boats or motorized watercraft are allowed in the lake at any time. Watercraft and oars owned by the lake association must be returned to the dry landing area after use. At times, the Lake owned watercraft may be locked up and unavailable for use.  Lake owned watercraft are  not for community use. You may bring your own watercraft items (e.g., canoe, kayak) to use at the lake but personal watercraft items cannot be stored at the lake.
11. SWIMMING in the lake is not recommended for the first 48 hours after it rains due to the increased fecal coliform content at that time from area run off.
12. FISHING is catch and release only. A fishing license is not required at the lake. Do not leave loose fishing hooks/line on docks, beach area, and/or grassy areas. Use caution and do not cast fishing lines from the beach area or near children and adults swimming or boating.
13. ANIMALS: Be mindful to follow the Fairfax County Animal Ordinance at all times at the Lake and Park. Animals, such as dogs, must be leashed and controlled at all times. Remove excrement immediately.
14. CLEAN UP: Members are responsible for cleaning up after themselves. No personal watercraft or toys are to be left out at the lake at any time. Trash containers are on site for use by members.
15. SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY: Report any suspicious activity, signs of vandalism, inappropriate behavior or observing non-members who have accessed the Lake. If necessary, call the Fairfax County Police at the non-emergency number: 703-691-2131. If you have any questions or safety concerns, please send an email to the Lake Officers and Board members at woodsidelake@gmail.com. A Board member will respond to your inquiry.