The Virginia Department of Health reminds residents under the Do Not Use Water Advisory and receiving bulk water from the Orange County water distribution that bulk water should be boiled before being used for cooking or drinking.
To safely boil water, bring water to a rolling boil for at least a minute and then let it cool before using.
Boil water instructions should be used for bulk water only. Residents under the Do Not Use Water Advisory should not try to treat the tap water themselves. Boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants, or letting the water stand will not make the water safe.
The Do Not Use Water Advisory was issued Aug. 21 by the Rapidan Service Authority (RSA) and the owner of the Wilderness Water Treatment Plant (WTP), in coordination with the Virginia Department of Health, out of an abundance of caution following multiple reports an unknown odor in the drinking water.
No new sampling results were received this morning. Additional analysis of the laboratory results received on Aug. 23 did not reveal any contaminants in levels that could cause health effects with short-term exposure.
To date, there has not been a specific association of any illness to the odor of concern. However, anyone experiencing gastroenteritis symptoms, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, with or without fever, or a rash should seek medical attention. Blood or urine samples might be necessary for testing. The local health department may also collect a water sample from your home and receive information about the illness for additional investigation.
Since a contaminant has not been identified that is causing the odor of concern, the Do Not Use Water Advisory remains in effect until the odor of concern is further reduced or eliminated. Additionally, the swimming advisory remains in effect.
RSA, VDH, and other responding state partners will continue to monitor the situation and provide an additional update on Aug. 25. For additional information, please visit the WTP Do Not Use incident page.
