August 27: ‘Do Not Drink’ Advisory Lifted by Rapidan Service Authority, Virginia Department of Health Lift for Wilderness Water Treatment Plant Customers. Read more: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/2024-regional-news-releases/rapidan-service-authority-virginia-department-of-health-lift-do-not-drink-advisory-for-wilderness-water-treatment-plant-customers/

ORANGE COUNTY, Va. – The Rapidan Service Authority (RSA) has issued a critical “Do Not Use” order for all customers of the Wilderness WTP Water System as of August 21, 2024, following the discovery of potential contamination in the water supply. Residents in areas served by this plant, including Lake of the Woods, Wilderness Shores, Somerset, Edgewood, Germanna Heights, Twin Lakes, Rt. 3, and surrounding communities, are urged to avoid using tap water entirely until further notice.

The advisory, issued in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), comes after an investigation revealed the presence of hydrocarbons in both the RSA water system and the source water from the Rapidan River. While the exact source of the contamination remains unknown, authorities are conducting ongoing investigations. Officials from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Orange County Fire and EMS, and Fredericksburg Watershed Police have not yet identified any specific incidents that might have caused this issue. Contrary to circulating rumors, there is no evidence to support claims of a motor vehicle crash, pipeline break, or other alarming events.

What This Means for You:

• Do Not Use Tap Water: Residents are advised to avoid all contact with tap water. This includes drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, laundry, and bathing. Toilet flushing is the only exception.
• Do Not Attempt to Treat the Water: Methods such as boiling, freezing, or filtering the water will not make it safe for use.
• Bottled Water Distribution: Bottled water is available for affected residents at Locust Grove Middle School, with distribution beginning at 2:00 PM on August 22, 2024. Supplies are limited, but additional deliveries are expected shortly. RSA is also considering additional locations for bulk water distribution where residents can bring their own containers.

Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps:

RSA, in collaboration with the VDH, continues to monitor the situation. Comprehensive testing is being conducted to ensure that all contaminants are identified and removed. The water system will be flushed once it is confirmed that contamination levels are no longer hazardous. Customers will be notified as soon as the water is deemed safe for use.

For updates and more information, customers are encouraged to visit RSA’s website at www.rapidan.org or contact RSA directly at (540) 972-2133. The community is also advised to share this information widely, especially with those who may not have direct access to these notices.

Date of Notice: August 21, 2024

Jen Bailey

Hi! I’m Jennifer Bailey and I partner with entrepreneurs who have massive ideas that could change the world. Most marketing is meaningless. Filled with empty promises, its only job is to bring in new traffic, new leads, and new customers. But I’ve drawn a line in the sand, and I’ve learned that marketing can do so much more than reach business goals and build profit. My methods give businesses the fire and soul they need to reach the right people, set the groundwork for sustainable relationships, and offer true value to the people on both the giving and receiving ends of marketing.

Read more about me here