Rappahannock Rapidan Health District lifts swimming advisory for Rapidan River

ORANGE COUNTY, Va. — The Rappahannock Rapidan Health District has lifted the swimming advisory that was in place for parts of the Rapidan River, with the “do not drink water” advisory still in effect.

Effective immediately on Sunday, Aug. 25, the swimming advisory issued for the Rapidan River from the boat launch at Route 3 to the boat launch at Route 610 has been lifted until further notice.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, the advisory was issued out of an abundance of caution in response to the “do not use water” advisory issued on Aug. 21 following reports of an unknown odor in the drinking water .

On Saturday, Aug. 24, the advisory was changed to a “do not drink water” advisory , which officials say remains in effect as of Sunday, Aug. 25.

Officials say comprehensive water sampling during the past three days do not indicate a public health risk. A survey of the Rapidan River by boat and by foot to evaluate potential odor sources did not reveal any “obvious sources” and no odors were noted by staff while traveling the waterway.

To stay safe while recreating in natural waters, the Virginia Department of Health recommends the public to do the following:

• Never swallow untreated water and don’t swim if your skin has cuts or open wounds.
• Wash hands frequently, including after swimming and before preparing and eating food.
• Shower or bathe after swimming to wash off possible germs and contaminants.
• Check the water and the area around it before swimming. Avoid going in water if there is a green film on the water or if the water is cloudier than usual. Avoid swimming near storm drains or livestock.
• Avoid swimming if you are vomiting or have diarrhea.
• Avoid contact swimming in natural waterways for three days following rain events. Heavy rain picks up anything it comes in contact with, including germs from overflowing sewage, polluted storm water, and runoff from land.
• Avoid any area of the waterbody where there is water with a foul or chemical odor, dead or dying fish, or discolored water.
• If taking fish caught from natural waters, remove the skin from filets and dispose of viscera and internal organs. Cook filets to proper temperature and clean knives and cutting boards with soapy water. Follow posted fish consumption advisories .
• Check with your healthcare provider before swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water if your body’s ability to fight germs is already affected by other health problems or medicines.

For more information and updates, visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website .

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