On Wednesday, the Rapidan Service Authority said it was investigating possible contamination of the area’s water supply after customers reported a strange taste in the water and employees at the Wilderness Water Treatment Plant reported a petroleum smell. Authorities said they found hydrocarbons – a broad category of organic compounds found in crude oil, natural gas and coal – in the water.

Late Friday, additional results from samples taken Thursday were released. According to the Virginia Department of Health, the latest results still cannot identify the source of the odor or any contaminants that “cause significant concern.” However, VDH officials say the odor, while apparently dissipating, is still present in the treatment plant and distribution system. RSA is taking steps to reduce and eliminate the odor, including flushing fire hydrants in the affected area.

All residents and businesses in eastern Orange County that receive water from the Rapidan Service Authority’s Wilderness Water Treatment Plant continue to be instructed not to drink or use tap water. These individuals and organizations have been advised to use the water only for flushing the toilet. The Wilderness plant serves the eastern end of Orange County, including Lake of the Woods, Locust Grove, Wilderness Shores, Somerset Farms, Edgewood, Germanna Heights and Twin Lakes, as well as the Virginia Route 3 corridor.

Additional testing is conducted daily. If sampling results continue to show that drinking water meets federal standards and the odor is sufficiently reduced or eliminated, VDH said, RSA and VDH will reevaluate the need to change the advisory. A swimming advisory for the Rapidan River from boat ramp Rt. 3 to boat ramp Rt. 610 remains in place.

A local state of emergency is in effect. The Rapidan Service Authority, in conjunction with Orange County Fire and Emergency Services, will distribute water bottles, limited to one case per car, at the Locust Grove Middle School bus stop from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. while supplies last. Orange County has also partnered to provide 12,300 gallons of drinking water. Residents must bring their own water containers with tight-fitting lids. Although the water comes from a potable source, boiling it before cooking or drinking is recommended. Water bottles are available at Locust Grove Middle School and the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Hornets Sports Center at Orange County High School will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for community members to fill water bottles and utilize showers.

Several local businesses have also stepped up to help those in need of water. The Health Hive on Zoar Road offered its location as a place to refill water jugs and bottles. Witches Brew Cafe in Locust Grove Town Center, which is not affected by the water advisory, said it will maintain its usual hours of 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Customers are welcome to bring empty jugs to refill with clean water. The nearby Miller Farms Market on Orange Plan Road is also welcoming people who want to refill their containers. The market is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As previously announced, the water supplied by the Wilderness system is for use only for flushing the toilet. Customers are advised not to attempt to treat the water themselves. According to the “Do Not Use” notice, the water is “not rendered safe by boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants, or allowing it to stand.”

More information will be available online at rapidan.org.