Effective immediately, Rapidan Service Authority (RSA), in consultation with the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Office of Drinking Water (ODW), is lifting the Do Not Drink Water Advisory affecting Orange County residents.
A multi-agency response investigation, led by VDH ODW, has not found any reason for the advisory to continue.
Laboratory sampling data over multiple days continually demonstrated that the drinking water fully complies with federal and state drinking water standards. This data was reviewed by ODW’s subject matter experts, toxicologists, and U.S. EPA Region 3 staff.
VDH’s daily inspections of the water treatment plant and distribution system confirmed that the objectionable odor in the drinking water is no longer present at the water treatment plant and had sufficiently dissipated in the distribution system to no longer be a concern.
Despite best efforts from multiple state agencies to identify the source or cause of the odor, it could not be determined. Certified laboratories were unable to identify any contaminant that would have explained the odor. VDH ODW will pursue any new development that would warrant investigation or follow-up.
All VDH-permitted food facilities can reopen. The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) food safety team will email reopening guidance for food facilities. OCHD food safety team members will visit permitted facilities to check in and answer food safety and reopening questions.
RSA advises customers who still detect an odor to flush their taps. Visit the RSA website for flushing instructions. If after flushing the taps, customers still detect an odor they should report it using the contact form at www.rapidan.org/contact-us. This information allows for a more efficient, targeted response.
For more information, please contact Rapidan Service Authority at (540) 972-2133.
