The Rappahannock Rapidan Health Department has issued a swimming advisory for the Rapidan River from the State Route 3 boat launch to the State Route 610 boat launch, effective immediately, and will remain in place until further notice.
This advisory was issued out of an abundance of caution and in response to a water do-not-use advisory issued on August 21 by the Rapidan Services Authority (RSA), owner of Wilderness Water Treatment Plant (WTP), in coordination with the Virginia Department of Health.
The Rappahannock Rapidan Health Department advises the public to avoid activities that result in prolonged contact, such as swimming and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), and to not allow pets to swim in the advisory area. Activities that result in limited contact, such as wading in water to launch a boat, kayaking, and canoeing, can continue with appropriate precautions.
Officials are collecting and analyzing river water samples to determine the chemical composition of the reported odor. They surveyed the Rapidan River to evaluate potential sources but found no obvious source, and officials have not noticed any odors when surveying the waterway.
The source of the contamination is still unknown and recommendations will be updated as new information becomes available.
To prevent recreational water illnesses from exposure to a sewage release event, people should:
● Avoid contact with water in warning areas and obey warning signs posted at water access points.
● Avoid bodies of water that have a foul smell, dead or dying fish, or discolored water.
● If contact with nearby water cannot be avoided, immediately wash skin with soap and water.
● If you experience any adverse health effects after contact with a body of water, seek medical attention and inform your doctor about your exposure to the body of water.
