According to an emergency alert issued Wednesday evening by the Rapidan Service Authority, water supplied by the Wilderness WTP Water System may be contaminated by an unknown substance. The investigation into the source of this possible contamination is ongoing.

The area served by this plant includes Lake of the Woods, Wilderness Shores, Somerset, Edgewood, Germanna Heights, Twin Lakes, Rt. 3, etc. Out of an abundance of caution, the Rapidan Service Authority (RSA), in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Health, is advising residents not to use tap water until further notice. The RSA will conduct testing to ensure that levels of all contaminants are at safe levels before the Do Not Use Order is lifted.

Do not use tap water – only bottled water

Avoid all contact with tap water. Only bottled water should be used for all drinks, drink preparation and food preparation (including baby food and juice), ice making, brushing teeth and washing dishes.
or clothing, hand washing and bathing until further notice. Flushing toilets is permitted.

Do not attempt to treat the water yourself

Boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants or leaving the water standing will not
Make the water safe.

Drinking water is available at the following locations:

RSA will provide bottled water as soon as possible. An alert will be sent out and the RSA website will be updated to show where it can be picked up. In addition, water may also be available at nearby grocery or convenience stores. Please sign up for alerts on the RSA website (www.rapidan.org/subscribe).

We will notify you as soon as we determine that your tap water is safe. We are working with the Virginia Department of Health to resolve this issue.

For more information, contact the Rapidan Service Authority at (540) 972-2133. Updates will be posted on the RSA website (www.rapidan.org).