August 25, 2024
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, VDH, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov
Rappahannock Rapidan Health District Lifts Swimming Advisory for the Rapidan River
Public Can Resume All Recreational Activities
ORANGE COUNTY, Va. – Effective immediately, the Rappahannock Rapidan Health District is lifting the swimming advisory for the Rapidan River from the boat launch at Route 3 to the boat launch at Route 610 until further notice.
This advisory was issued out of an abundance of caution in response to the Do Not Use Water Advisory issued August 21 by the Rapidan Service Authority (RSA), the owner of the Wilderness Water Treatment Plant (WTP), in coordination with the Virginia Department of Health. On August 24, the advisory was changed to a Do Not Drink Advisory.
Comprehensive water sampling during the past three days do not indicate a public health risk. A survey of the Rapidan River by boat and by foot to evaluate potential odor sources did not reveal any obvious sources and no odors were noted by staff while traversing the waterway.
To stay safe while recreating in natural waters the public should:
- Never swallow untreated water and don’t swim if your skin has cuts or open wounds.
- Wash hands frequently, including after swimming and before preparing and eating food.
- Shower or bathe after swimming to wash off possible germs and contaminants.
- Check the water and the area around it before swimming. Avoid going in water if there is a green film on the water or if the water is cloudier than usual. Avoid swimming near storm drains or livestock.
- Avoid swimming if you are vomiting or have diarrhea.
- Avoid swimming in natural waterways for three days following rain events. Heavy rain picks up anything it comes in contact with, including germs from overflowing sewage, polluted storm water, and runoff from land.
- Avoid any area of the waterbody where there is water with a foul or chemical odor, dead or dying fish, or discolored water.
- If taking fish caught from natural waters, remove the skin from filets and dispose of viscera and internal organs. Cook filets to proper temperature and clean knives and cutting boards with soapy water. Follow posted fish consumption advisories.
- Check with your healthcare provider before swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water if your body’s ability to fight germs is already affected by other health problems or medicines.
For more information on recreational water safety, visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com.
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