Spotsylvania and Stafford counties have stopped drawing water from the Rappahannock as a precaution, state health department says.
A warning from the Rapidan Service Authority not to use tap water due to contamination has led to precautions being taken in communities along the Rappahannock as well.
The warning was issued last night after local residents in Orange County complained of odor in their water, which comes from the Rapidan River. Tests are being conducted, but it could take at least 48 hours for results, according to the state health department.
The Rapidan feeds the Rappahannock River, raising concern that the contamination may spread. But so far, there have been no warnings or advisories issued in communities downstream.
State health department spokeswoman Brookie Crawford says that as a precaution, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties have stopped drawing water from the Rappahannock River and will rely on water already stored in reservoirs such as Motts Run in Spotsylvania.
Crawford says health officials will decide today if any advisories will be issued regarding swimming or fishing in the Rappahannock.
The areas affected by the “Do Not Use” tap water advisory include Lake of the Woods, Wilderness Shores, Somerset, Edgewood, Germanna Heights, Twin Lakes, and the State Route 3 corridor.
Residents there are urged to use bottled water until further notice.
By Hank Silverberg
CORRESPONDENT
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