Effective immediately, the Rappahannock Rapidan Health District is issuing a swimming advisory for the Rapidan River from the boat launch at State Route 3 to the boat launch at Route 610 until further notice.
This advisory was issued out of an abundance of caution in response to the Do Not Use water advisory issued Aug. 21 by the Rapidan Service Authority (RSA), the owner of the Wilderness Water Treatment Plant (WTP), in coordination with the Virginia Department of Health.
The Rappahannock Rapidan Health District is advising the public to avoid activities in the advisory area that will result in prolonged contact such as swimming or stand-up paddle boarding (SUPing) and prevent pets from swimming. Activities that result in limited contact such wading in the water to launch a boat, kayaking, canoeing, may continue with proper caution.
Officials are collecting and analyzing river water samples to determine the chemical makeup of the odors reported. A survey of the Rapidan River to evaluate potential sources did not reveal any obvious sources, and no odors were noted by the officers while investigating the waterway.
The source of contamination is not yet known, and recommendations will be updated as new information is received.
To prevent recreational water illnesses due to exposure to the sewage release event, people should:
● Avoid contact with water in the advisory area and observe advisory signage posted at waterbody access points,
● Avoid any area of the waterbody where there is water with a foul odor, dead or dying fish, or discolored water,
● Promptly wash skin with soap and water if you cannot avoid contact with water in the vicinity, and
● Seek medical care and notify your practitioner of the waterbody exposure if you experience adverse health effects after contact with the waterbody.
