Va. Dept. of Health maintaining water advisory for Rapidan River area

The Rapidan River. (Charlie Paullin / Virginia Mercury)

A do not drink water advisory is in effect for customers of the Rapidan Service Authority that serves the central Piedmont area of the state, including Orange County, because of an odor emanating from the water. But the question remains: what’s causing the smell?

On Wednesday , the Virginia Department of Health and RSA had initially issued a do not use water advisory, including a ban on swimming in the Rapidan River, out of an abundance of caution, after residents reported the odor in their tap water.

The odor, reported to smell like diesel, lead to a concern that oil had leaked into the Rapidan, which flows into the Rappahannock River and is the source of water treated at the Wilderness Treatment Plant before it’s sent out to customers.

But, following “comprehensive water sampling,” VDH had found that there were no volatile organic compounds — those found in fuel and household products — causing the concerning odor and that drinking water remains in compliance with federal and state drinking water standards.

Still, the do not drink advisory will stay in place “ until the odor of concern is lessened to a greater level,” said Brookie Crawford, risk communications manager at VDH on Monday. “The comprehensive lab sampling performed to date (does) not indicate a public health risk.”

Brent Hunsinger, director of advocacy and coastal programs of the Friends of the Rappahannock, an environmental nonprofit focused on conservation of the Rappahannock River, said there haven’t been any dead fish observed or discoloration of the water.

That lack of ecosystem impact means the source of the odor could be coming from infrastructure within the wastewater treatment plant itself, but no source or chemical has been identified there either, Hunsigner said, based on his conversations with those familiar with the response.

“It’s kind of a vexing problem,” said Hunsinger, adding that the time it’s taking to solve the mystery is due in part to a 48-hour test period needed for the water.

VDH planned another inspection of the facility on Monday, Crawford said.

“RSA advises customers who still detect an odor to flush their taps,” said Dwayne Roadcap, director of the office of drinking water. “The investigation to identify the source of the odor and what is causing the odor continues.”

Residents who smell the odor in their water may report it using this form on RSA’s website.

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