Although residents can now use tap water for bathing or washing clothes, it is still not safe to drink. A petroleum odor has disappeared but is still detectable in the water. And neither the Rapidan Service Authority nor the Virginia Department of Health have determined what contaminated the water.

On Wednesday, the Rapidan Service Authority said it had found hydrocarbons in the water at its Wilderness Water Treatment Plant, which serves eastern Orange County. Hydrocarbons are a broad category of organic compounds found in crude oil, natural gas and coal. Consumption of hydrocarbons can cause upset stomach, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Tests conducted Wednesday found that the hydrocarbons in the water were not volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a broad category that includes chemicals found in thousands of products, such as solvents, aerosols, flame retardants and formaldehyde.

Further tests did not produce a clear result.

In an update Sunday evening, the health department’s Drinking Water Division said it had completed on-site testing at the Wilderness Water Treatment Plant and Water Distribution System. The plant serves the communities of Lake of the Woods, Locust Grove, Wilderness Shores, Somerset Farms, Edgewood, Germanna Heights and Twin Lakes, as well as the Virginia Route 3 corridor. Samples continue to confirm that the drinking water meets federal and state drinking water standards and will be used to determine the source of the reported odor. Health department officials plan another inspection on Monday, after which the do not drink advisory will be reevaluated.

The Rapidan Service Authority has since flushed the plant. Orange County authorities say the cause of the smell is still unknown, but it is not believed to be caused by RSA. Speculation circulating online that the smell is the result of routine preventative maintenance, pump replacements or improper handling of chemicals is “obviously false.” Officials said RSA is also not flushing contaminated water into the lake at Lake of the Woods, another rumor.

According to the current recommendation, residents may use water for bathing, flushing toilets, washing clothes and other purposes, provided that no water is consumed. Parents are asked to closely supervise their children while bathing to avoid choking. Tap water must not be used for drinking, preparing drinks or food, washing dishes, cleaning surfaces that come into contact with food, making ice cream or coffee or brushing teeth.

As a result, all restaurants in eastern Orange County must remain closed until the warning is lifted.

A previously issued bathing warning for the Rapidan River has been lifted.

Faucets that emit a noticeable odor should be flushed, according to the Rapidan Service Authority and the Virginia Department of Health. Flushing instructions can be found at www.rapidan.org. Residents are encouraged to record how long faucets take to flush and how many faucets in their home need to be flushed and report it to the Rapidan Service Authority during normal business hours. The authority asks customers not to drastically increase their water usage to avoid putting a strain on the sewer system.

Bottled and bulk water will be distributed at locations throughout Orange County, including at the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse from noon to 6 p.m. Monday. Bulk water distribution requires people to bring their own containers with sealed lids. Although the water comes from a potable source, boiling it before cooking or drinking is recommended. Bottled water will be available at the Wilderness Library from noon to 6 p.m.

Locust Grove Middle School students who have been out of school since Thursday are expected to return Monday. Students and staff will have access to bottled water and cafeteria staff will not use water for food preparation. School officials said maintenance staff were at the middle school Sunday to run water and flush pipes. No odors or discoloration were detected.

More information will be available online at rapidan.org.