The Rapidan Service Authority and the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Drinking Water have lifted the drinking water advisory.

Last 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.

Customers of the water treatment plant, which 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, were told to use their water only for flushing the toilet. Late Saturday, that advisory was changed, allowing the water to be used for everything except consumable activities such as food preparation, drinking and dishwashing.

Tests are conducted daily, but authorities are no closer to identifying the cause of the problem. Tests on Wednesday showed that the hydrocarbons in the water are not volatile organic compounds (VOCs), another broad category that includes chemicals found in thousands of products, such as solvents, aerosols, flame retardants and formaldehyde. Further tests have been inconclusive.

On Tuesday, officials said a multi-agency investigation found no reason why the “not drinking water” warning should be maintained. Laboratory sample data has consistently shown that the drinking water fully meets federal and state drinking water standards. The data was reviewed not only by the Office of the Drinking Water Expert, but also by toxicologists and Environmental Protection Agency staff.

The unpleasant smell is said to no longer be present in the water treatment plant and has also sufficiently dissipated in the distribution system. The cause of the smell is still unknown.

“Certified laboratories were unable to identify any contaminants that would explain the odor,” health department officials said. The Drinking Water Department plans to monitor any new developments that require investigation or follow-up.

With the lifting of the warning, all affected food establishments can reopen. The Orange County Health Department will email notices about reopening food establishments and will visit the approved establishments to answer any questions.

Any faucets that still emit a noticeable odor should be flushed, according to the Rapidan Service Authority and the Virginia Department of Health. Instructions on how to flush can be found at www.rapidan.org. Residents are asked to record how long it takes to flush faucets and how many faucets in their home needed to be flushed and report it to the Rapidan Service Authority during normal business hours.

Anyone who continues to have problems with their water after flushing is asked to fill out the contact form on the RSA website rapidan.org/contact-us.