Drinking Water Warning in Place for Days After Mystery Odor

Water is still deemed not safe to drink for 13,000 people serviced by Rapidan Service Authority’s (RSA) Wilderness Water Treatment Plant in Orange County, Virginia, after officials issued a “Do Not Use Water” advisory last Wednesday following reports of a strange odor in the drinking water.

The advisory warned people to not use tap water for any purpose, stressing that bleaching or boiling it would not make it safe. The warnings surfaced on Wednesday after multiple reports identified a strange odor akin to paint thinner or gasoline in the drinking water.

The advisory has since been decreased to a “Do Not Drink Water” advisory as of Saturday after tests failed to reveal any contaminants. However, officials with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) have yet to identify the source behind the odor, which has persisted. Updated VDH reports claim that although still present, the odor appears to be weakening.

Five days after the first alert was issued, impacted residents are still advised against consuming the water.

On Monday, the VDH issued an update regarding the advisory in place for RSA customers. Although water has since been deemed safe for non-consumable uses such as laundry or bathing, Orange County residents are still advised against drinking the water or using it for purposes related to consumption, including washing dishes.

Although health officials have since deemed bathing safe, parents should observe bathing children to ensure they don’t ingest the water.

“The objectionable odor continues to reduce. Sampling continues to confirm drinking water remains in compliance with federal and state drinking water standards and is still being used to try to identify the source of the odor,” a VDH press release said on Saturday. “VDH plans to complete another inspection at the water treatment plant and distribution system on Monday, August 26. Following this inspection, VDH and RSA will reassess the nature of the advisory and provide updates if available.”

A VDH spokesperson told Newsweek via email on Monday afternoonthat the investigation remains ongoing and officials with RSA and VDH are meeting daily. No public health issues have been connected to the water, but the spokesperson said the Office of Epidemiology continues to investigate.

According to an earlier press release, the affected water treatment plant serves the Lake of the Woods subdivision, Wilderness Shores, Somerset, Edgewood, Germanna Heights, Twin Lakes, Germanna Community College Locust Grove campus and two shopping centers with several restaurants on Route 3.

In addition to advising residents against consuming the water, the VDH has also asked all of its permitted food facilities to remain closed until the advisory is lifted. A swimming advisory in place for Rapidan River from the boat launch at Route 3 to the boat launch at Route 610 has been lifted.

According to RSA’s website, RSA provides water service along Route 15 to the Town of Gordonsville and the Route 20 airport area in the Orange County area.