Wilderness Water Treatment Plant Water Advisory Incident

This webpage is dedicated to information regarding the Rapidan Service Authority's (RSA), the owner of the Wilderness water treatment plant (WTP) waterworks, water advisory incident. On August 21, following reports of an unknown odor in the drinking water RSA and the Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water (VDH ODW) initiated a multi-agency response. This page will be updated as new information is available.

Monday, September 9

ODW visited the raw water wet wells. There was an odor coming out of the third wet well (the one that houses two pumps), which was similar to the odor staff observed throughout the water system during the initial odor event. Based on how deep the plans indicate the wet wells are, ODW estimated that there was a few feet of water present.
DEQ’s sampling contractor, Apex, collected samples from both wet wells for VOCs and SVOCs to ship to the Taste & Odor Expert in Texas. ODW collected samples for metals and volatile fumigants from the third wet well and also from the plant finished water tap.
When Apex removed their sampling apparatus from the wet well, staff observed the submerged portion was slimy and appeared to be covered in mineral oil. These wet wells have been valved off since August 24. The oil was odorless.
While staff was there, an electrical contractor arrived and appeared to be laying out new temporary wiring following the same path as the existing temporary wiring that was serving the raw water pumps.
After the wet wells have been pumped out and pressure washed, RSA will re-install the repaired pumps that had a catastrophic failure. ODW will make sure there are assurances that any and all electrical issues are resolved and pump function is closely monitored.
RSA will be at WaterJAM this week. RSA remains on site for time-sensitive communications.

Please continue to use caution and alert the Rapidan Service Authority using the contact form at www.rapidan.org/contact-us if an odor is detected in your drinking water.

Resources

Q & A

What Happened

What happened?

On August 21, out of an abundance of caution and in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Rapidan Service Authority (RSA), the owner of the Wilderness water treatment plant (WTP), issued a Do Not Use water advisory after receiving complaints of an odor associated with the drinking water. RSA investigated the odor concern and determined that a Do Not Use advisory was necessary given the specific odor observed.

On August 24, RSA, in conjunction with VDH’s ODW, changed the Do Not Use Water Advisory to a Do Not Drink Water Advisory.

On August 27, RSA, in consultation and agreement with VDH, lifted the Do Not Drink Advisory to allow consumption and all other uses with drinking water.

Who responded to the event?

On August 21, following reports of an odor in the drinking water that is typically associated with hydrocarbons contamination, RSA and the VDH Office of Drinking Water (ODW) initiated a multi-agency response that included: Rapidan Service Authority, VDH, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), Virginia’s Department of General Services Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), USEPA, and Orange County.

Why was the advisory lifted?

The RSA lifted the advisory on August 27, in consultation with the VDH ODW, for three primary reasons. First, laboratory sampling data over multiple days demonstrated that the drinking water fully complied with federal and state drinking water standards. Next, VDH’s daily inspections of the water treatment plant and distribution system confirmed that the objectionable odor in the drinking water was no longer present at the water treatment plant and had sufficiently dissipated in the distribution system to no longer be a concern. Finally, VDH substantially completed its epidemiological investigation and found no evidence of any negative impact from exposure to the drinking water. Review by ODW’s subject matter experts, toxicologists, and U.S. EPA Region 3 did not find any reason to continue the advisory.

If you do not know what the odor is, or its source, how do you know it’s safe to drink the water?

Based on VDH’s daily inspections of the water treatment plant from August 25 through August 27, the objectionable odor dissipated and is no longer present. Observations throughout the distribution system found that the objectionable odor also reduced each day. On August 27, ODW staff determined that the objectionable odor is sufficiently reduced to lift the advisory.

Response Activities

Now that the advisory is lifted, what is being done to determine the cause of the odor in the drinking water?

Despite best efforts from multiple state agencies to identify the source of the odor or what caused the odor, nothing was found. VDH ODW will pursue any new development that would warrant investigation or follow-up. All possible causes of the odor have been explored to the extent possible.

What are the test results?

All sample results have been posted on the incident webpage.

Is the water actually contaminated?

All laboratory sampling show drinking water complies with federal and state drinking water standards.

What is next?

The investigation as to the source and cause of the objectionable odor is ongoing. More details of that investigation are found at the tab "Details of the Investigation" on this incident page.

Where is the flushed water going and if we do not know what is contaminating it (causing the odor), how can anyone say it’s safe to dump?

The DEQ and VDH ODW never found any specific concern about discharging water from homes and businesses into the sanitary sewer system, onto the ground surface, and into the wastewater treatment plant. No impacts were observed from the discharging activities. The water fully complies with federal and state standards for drinking water.

The Investigation

What has the investigation found to date?

Preliminary results from an odorant screening analysis, received on August 29, identified two chemicals that could have contributed to the cause of the odor. These chemicals were identified as Isovanillin and TPIB (2,2,4-Trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate). The concentration of each compound is unknown at this time. Another chemical, BCEE, was detected on August 21. These results suggest that the cause of odor is associated with an industrial release. The investigation into the source and cause continues. More details can be found on VDH’s incident webpage under Details of the Investigation.

Please continue to use caution and alert the Rapidan Service Authority using the contact form at www.rapidan.org/contact-us if an odor is detected in your drinking water.

The investigation has identified two new chemicals; are they responsible for the odor?

Are these two new chemicals dangerous?

VDH reviewed the possible health effects from exposure to isovanillin and TPIB (2,2,4-Trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate) with toxicologists, U.S. EPA, epidemiologists, and other experts. There is no acute health risk from exposure based on the research available. You can review toxicology review and technical information about the chemicals on VDH’s incident page.

Please continue to use caution and alert the Rapidan Service Authority using the contact form at www.rapidan.org/contact-us if an odor is detected in your drinking water.

Why weren’t these chemicals identified earlier?

Despite best efforts to identify the cause of the odor, the potential cause was not observed in testing until August 29. As the investigation progressed over time, VDH learned from odor and test academics of additional, more sensitive method that were possibly available in Texas. VDH coordinated with the Texas lab and ODW overnighted samples to the Texas lab as soon as that information became available. It took about 24 hours for the Texas lab to report identification of the two compounds.

What caused these chemicals to be in the water?

Despite best efforts, the source of the chemicals entering the water is unknown. VDH and DEQ continue to investigate possible sources.

What is being done to remove these chemicals?

RSA is planning to add a new treatment process to address taste and odor concerns. RSA does not have a specific date when this additional treatment process can be added.

Flushing Information from RSA

What should I do if the objectionable odor is still present in my drinking water?

RSA advises customers who still detect an odor to flush their taps. Visit the RSA website or Contact RSA at (540) 972-2133 or for flushing instructions.

If after flushing the taps, customers still detect an odor they should report it using the contact form at www.rapidan.org/contact-us. This information allows for a more efficient, targeted response.

If I am concerned about my water bill from flushing the objectionable water, what is the best way to resolve that issue?

Please contact RSA at (540) 972-2133 or visit the RSA website for flushing instructions and other issues about billing concerns. There are no known health concerns that require flushing of household plumbing. If you do flush or have done so already, RSA asks that customers please record the length of time and number of fixtures flushed in order to be properly credited for the water used. You may report this information to the RSA office during normal business hours (Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm).

Do Not Drink Water Advisory Lifted

Is the water safe to drink and use?

Residents can safely use the water for all purposes.

Can restaurants/businesses who use water from the Wilderness WTP reopen?

All VDH permitted food facilities are permitted to open now that advisory is lifted.

After this release, an email containing reopening guidance for food facilities will be sent from the Orange County Health Department (OCHD) food safety team. OCHD food safety team members will visit permitted facilities to check in and answer food safety and reopening questions. Please reach out to Vy Truong (vy.truong@vdh.virginia.gov) with questions regarding permitted facilities and resuming operations.

What if I still smell an odor from my tap?

RSA advises customers who still detect an odor should flush their taps. Contact RSA at (540) 972-2133 or visit the RSA website for flushing instructions.

How can the water smell when there is nothing “bad” showing up in the test results?

Despite best efforts to identify a possible cause of the objectionable odor, all laboratory sampling could not identify it. You can review the extensive sampling conducted to date at the VDH incident page.

Swimming Advisory

Is there a swimming advisory in place?

No, August 25, the Rappahannock Rapidan Health District lifted the swimming advisory for the Rapidan River from the boat launch at Route 3 to the boat launch at Route 610 until further notice.

Why was the advisory lifted?

On August 24, RSA, in coordination with the VDH, the advisory was changed to a Do Not Drink Water Advisory.

Comprehensive water sampling during the past few 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.

Is it safe to swim?

Swimming or other activities in any natural bodies of water always pose some health risk because the water is not disinfected. Children under the age of 5 years, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of contracting illness from natural bodies of water.

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 contact 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.

More Information

Where can I get more information?

Please register for alerts on RSA’s website (www.rapidan.org/subscribe).

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

For additional questions, contact VDH’s Call Center at 877-829-4682 (Option 2), The VDH Call Center is available Monday–Friday (except holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If I would like to seek reimbursement for loss of income or other damages as a result of the advisory, who should I contact?

Please seek the advice of your legal counsel to address this question.

Sample Results

Source Water Assessment Report

Details of the Investigation

Investigation Summary of Concerning Odor at Wilderness WTP

Wednesday, August 21

Around 2:30 p.m., officials from the Rapidan Service Authority (RSA) contacted the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Drinking Water (ODW) to alert them of a system shutdown due to multiple customer complaints of odor in the water. RSA confirmed the presence of an odor that has been described as having a petroleum or “WD-40” odor and stopped distribution of the water and notified the agency of the issue.
A multi-agency meeting was held at 5 p.m. to discuss a direction to take to start identification of the source of the smell as well as issuing a Due Not Use Water Advisory from RSA.
ODW contacted water facilities downstream of Wilderness WTP on the Rapidan and Rappahannock Rivers to inform them of the situation for observation and switching to alternate water sources.
Noticeable odor was detected at the wet well and the area located beside the wet well.
DEQ contacted Apex Companies, LLC, a contractor on the state-lead contract. Under the state-lead contract program, DEQ retains one or more contractors, through the Commonwealth’s contract procurement procedures, to perform emergency response activities as well as release investigation and corrective action at petroleum release sites. DEQ staff oversee work performed by state-lead contractors.
At 8 p.m., personnel from ODW, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), and Apex were onsite to evaluate the smell and collect an initial round of samples.
VDEM collected samples at two locations (the facility wet well and pre-sedimentation basin) to perform a qualitative screening analysis to help with potential target analytes. The screening analysis returned a result of a possible hydrocarbon detection (benzene, phenol, and toluene).
In the evening, Apex collected water samples from the wet well, water treatment plant influent, and the finished water and submitted them to a VELAP-certified laboratory for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (EPA Method 8260) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) (Method 8270) analysis. The results were non-detect for all constituents, except for one constituent [bis (2-chloroethyl) ether at 13.7 ug/L] and for typical chlorination by-products.
At 8:24 p.m., the State Corporation Commission (SCC) deputy director of Pipeline Safety & Damage Prevention reported the following findings from an investigation of the Colonial Pipeline which crosses the Rapidan River five to seven miles upstream of the Wilderness intake.
- As of 8:06 p.m. Colonial Pipeline has not found any leak indications.
- Colonial Pipeline also found no indications of any contaminants consistent with refined petroleum product inside the water plant’s holding tank (per their environmental techs).
- Both pipelines are up and running at regular operating pressure.
- No leak indications observed at operating pressure.
- Colonial Pipeline has demobilized from the site.

Thursday, August 22

A 9:30 a.m. meeting between responding agencies, RSA, and Orange County officials was held and a sampling/data collection team was formed to set sampling priorities and locations.
An 11 a.m. sampling/data collection team meeting was held, and sample collection and observation priorities were established – samples to be collected from the raw water, the entry point to the distribution system, and in the distribution system for VOC and SVOC analysis. A protocol of utilizing non-potable water analysis methods for all water collections below the finished water tap at the plant site was set. Samples from the distribution system entry point and in the distribution system would be run using certified drinking water analysis methods.
RSA collected samples in the distribution system for VOC, SVOC analysis using drinking water methods and sent to a certified laboratory. These sample results were received on August 23 at 5:26 p.m. and showed no VOCs consistent with disinfection byproducts, which are expected in finished drinking water using chlorine disinfection. No contaminants which would cause the odor issue were identified.
A map of the RSA service area was produced for tracking odor complaints and system flushing activities.
DEQ's water quality monitoring staff visited three established monitoring stations located at bridges over the Rapidan River, including the Route 522 and Route 3 bridges, which are upstream of the RSA water intake, and Route 610 bridge, which is downstream of the water intake. DEQ personnel collected field parameter data and made visual and olfactory observations. All observations and measurements were consistent with historical data, and no evidence of an oil or hazardous substance release was observed.
DEQ spoke with the watershed manager for the City of Fredericksburg’s police department. Police department officers floated and walked segments of the watershed from the City of Fredericksburg to above the RSA water intake. The officers did not observe any evidence of an oil or hazardous substance release.
A 3 p.m. meeting was held where an Incident Management Team (IMT) was formed, and the sampling data/collection team was folded into the Unified Operation Section.
Stafford County Utilities collected water samples around the area of intakes (river and reservoir) on the Rappahannock, within the Lake Mooney Reservoir, an outfall from the transfer station as well as the intake station.
Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District (RRHD) epidemiologist reviewed ESSENCE database with no abnormalities detected. Epidemiologist reached out to local hospitals for awareness and reporting of any potential symptomatic patients.
Since August 22, DEQ has also been performing a source investigation, which has included the following activities: investigating pollution reports in Orange County; reviewing historical Sanitary Survey Overflows (SSO) reports; and inspecting nearby sites and activities, such as the golf course, the paving activities, and the on-site construction activities at the water treatment plant intake. DEQ has collected Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for products used in these nearby activities and compared chemical compounds to analyte lists. All lines of inquiries have been explored at this time and no potential sources have been identified.

Friday, August 23

At 8:30 a.m., the Operations Branch of unified command met to discuss findings and set sampling and observation activities for the day.
ODW personnel visited the Wilderness WTP early in the morning for updates and assessment of the situation.
Out of an abundance of caution and with the potential contaminant still unidentified a swimming advisory was issued by RRHD for a portion of the Rapidan River.
RSA observed that the odor is dissipating in the pre-sedimentation basin, but strong odor was observed in the finished water. Flushing program continues and filter backwash timelines were shortened.
RSA personnel collected an additional three samples, one at the distribution entry point and two in the distribution system. Samples were sent to the Department of General Services Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) for analysis during weekend hours when the contract laboratory was closed. These analyses were expedited and reported by 10:30 p.m. and continued to show only VOCs associated with the treatment process.
Apex collected three additional samples for VOCs, SVOCs, and Diesel Range Organics (DRO) and sent to the same laboratory. The samples were collected at the following locations: one sample in the Rapidan River upgradient of the water intake, one downgradient from the water intake at the intake for the Hunting Run Reservoir, and one in the wet wells at the RSA intake. During sampling activities, Apex personnel made visual and olfactory observations of the river and noted no evidence of an oil or hazardous substance release. All results were received by 5 p.m. on August 27 and the results were not detected (ND) for all three locations.
Stafford County reported sample results from initial VOC sampling came back with no detections.
VDH epidemiologist interviewed five different families regarding concerns of illness and was working with four of the families to test urine for contaminants of concern.
VDH environmental health visited all permitted facilities and left notifications asking them to cease operations and answered any questions.
DCLS provided test kits to be collected by VDH epidemiologist personnel, as needed, while samples were delivered by RSA to the laboratory in Richmond, VA.
A 5 p.m. Operations Branch meeting was held to discuss findings and establish activates for the weekend. Email coordination of the Operations Branch was decided upon while Operations leads would be communicating in the Unified Command meetings.
When initial SVOC results were received at 5:30 p.m., a VDH toxicologist was assigned to complete a toxicological review for the disinfection by-product VOCs and the Bis (2-chloroethyl) ether to determine the potential for these products to cause the odor and the potential health effects of consuming the product at that concentration.

Saturday, August 24

ODW staff reviewed SDS for construction materials, pesticides, and herbicides used on the plant site and upstream businesses and recreational areas. ODW did not identify compounds used in sufficient quantities of concern but consulted with DCLS on a test plan to rule out these sources. DCLS will ship test kits on Monday for this analysis.
VDH toxicologist supplied a report on the chemicals found that indicated no concerns for acute health risks.
At 11 a.m., ODW and RSA staff along with Orange County officials reviewed operational reports, test reports, and received a verbal report of plant site conditions and operations. RSA reported a lessening of the odor in the treatment plant and only a slight odor in the water leaving the plant.
ODW consulted with DCLS on utilizing a laboratory department which has equipment and expertise to identify unknowns in a variety of matrices. A test plan was discussed, and sample collection was scheduled during an ODW inspection on Sunday.
RSA reported an increase in community water usage based on wastewater volume and difficulty in filling tanks sufficiently overnight.
In the absence of a contaminant of concern and with no volatile compounds detected in the any of the treatment process or distribution system and a continued dissipation of the odor in the treatment process ODW supported an RSA request to move to a Do Not Drink Water Advisory and established an on-sight inspection schedule for independent verification of odor reduction. RSA reported issues with well pumps that would make an immediate change to the order difficult as repairs were necessary to keep up with demand.
At 10 p.m., with a temporary well pump solution enacted, RSA, with support from VDH, changed the order from a Do Not Use Water Advisory to a Do Not Drink Water Advisory and an inspection was scheduled by VDH staff for 10 a.m. Sunday.

Sunday, August 25

Multiple ODW personnel performed an inspection of the plant facility and distribution system to assess odor. Operations records were reviewed, and samples were collected by ODW for High Resolution Mass Spectral Analysis using gas and liquid chromatography from the DCLS laboratory.
Continued but lessened detection of the odor in the water treatment facility as well as the distribution system was noted by ODW staff.
ODW staff performed taste assessments by swishing the water in their mouths and spitting it out. ODW personnel detected a taste in the water at all locations of the distribution system where the test was performed.
ODW provided some operational recommendations to RSA to try and rectify the lingering odor. Water demand would dictate the ability to fully execute those recommendations.
ODW held a meeting at 2:45 p.m. with RSA staff to review the inspection and indicated it would not recommend a change in the advisory status at that time and scheduled an additional inspection on Monday.
ODW personnel delivered water samples on Sunday night to DCLS in Richmond to begin analysis first thing Monday morning.
RRHD lifts swimming advisory for portions of the Rapidan River.

Monday, August 26

DEQ reached out to subject matter experts in the water and wastewater treatment field and requested assistance with investigating the potential sources of odor in source water and/or in the treatment plant process, including researchers at Virginia universities and their partners. DEQ is receiving and sharing the recommendations with RSA, VDH, and DCLS for follow up, including recommendations on potential sources of the odor such as bacterial and other odor-causing chemical compounds.
An Operations Branch meeting was held at 1 p.m. with a Unified Command meeting held at 2:30 p.m. Updates from operations members included:
- RSA -no detection of odors on the plant site; ODW to visit today.
- RSA – collecting information on customer complaints to investigate.
- Spotsylvania County- collected VOCs (8260) and SVOCs (8270) at Rappahannock River intake and delivered samples to the lab. Expect results Wednesday.
- RRHD - recreational water advisory lifted; posted signs removed yesterday.
- RRHD - preparing to visit permitted facilities when advisory is lifted.
- VDH epidemiologist – working with a handful of parents to get children tested; most likely existing conditions/not water related due to symptoms or onset.
- VDH epidemiologist – some reports of rashes to be investigated.
Multiple ODW personnel performed another inspection of the facility and distribution system. Odor in the water leaving the facility had reduced and was barely noticeable. Water in the distribution system continued to have a detectable taste and odor although reduced from Sunday.
A meeting was held with ODW, RSA, and Orange County staff to discuss findings and recommendations. VDH did not recommend lifting of the Do Not Drink Water Advisory and RSA was in a position from a water production standpoint to implement some recommendations to help remove odor and implemented those procedures.
An inspection was scheduled for Tuesday at 8 a.m. to assess the plant and distribution system again.
VOC results for the Rapidan and Wilderness intake collected August 23 came back with no detections. SVOC and DRO results were expected Tuesday.

Tuesday, August 27

Verbal results from DCLS on the high-resolution mass spectroscopy analysis returned no contaminants of concern identified.
Multiple ODW personnel performed an inspection of the water treatment facility and distribution system. No detectable odors were identified at the facility and taste and odor concerns were only noted at two distribution locations in areas that had not been used or flushed since the Do Not Use Water Advisory was enacted.
RSA staff performed field analysis for cyanobacteria toxins, which were negative.
During a meeting between ODW, RSA, and Orange County staff following the inspection it was determined that ODW staff would support the lifting of the Do Not Drink Water Advisory while continuing activities to try and locate the source and identity of the odor. The Do Not Drink Water Advisory was lifted at 11:15 a.m.
ODW personnel collected additional samples at non-residential locations that might not have had much water use since near the beginning of the event. The idea is to capture samples of water where the odor is still prevalent, to hopefully aid in future identification of the contaminant.
ODW personnel collected samples to be shipped to a researcher in Texas for a more targeted screen of taste and odor compounds which can be detected at much lower detection levels.

Wednesday, August 28

ODW personnel shipped samples they collected for carbamates, herbicides, semi-volatiles, and volatiles collected from the wet wells and the distribution system entry point to DCLS for analysis.
ODW overnighted samples to the researcher in Texas who is a taste and odor specialist for analysis. Results expected within the week.
ODW researched previous and current events of waterworks odor investigations and began outreach to those localities for additional information.
Spotsylvania County received analysis reports from intake sampling conducted on August 26. All sample results were below detection limit and based on those results Spotsylvania County returned to drawing water from the Rappahannock River intake.
Analysis reports for the DCLS high resolution mass spectroscopy lab were received and posted on the incident website.
VDH, DEQ, and VDEM personnel held a coordination meeting at 3 p.m. to set a direction for continued investigation of the source of the odor. An investigatory approach was established and VDH ODW was established as the lead on the continued investigation.
ODW held a coordination call with RSA staff for continued engagement with operational conditions.

Thursday, August 29

ODW coordinated and scheduled a meeting between subject matter experts in the field of water treatment and environmental engineering to review actions and solicit ideas for continued investigatory processes. This meeting is scheduled for September 3.
ODW and DEQ reviewed the existing actions taken and potential areas for follow-up and investigation.
ODW requested additional test kits from DCLS for routine drinking water quality parameters not associated with odor.
ODW personnel visited the facility for continued follow-up and operational review. VDH central office personnel also coordinated with RSA management on continued investigatory responses.
A request was submitted by DEQ on August 28 to the DEQ EPCRA Program to generate a Tier II report that contains all facilities located in Orange, Madison, and Culpeper Counties. The report will be reviewed for BCEE and other odor causing chemical compounds.
During the week of September 2, DEQ Water Quality Monitoring & Assessment Program staff will implement a focused sampling program of the source water area in an attempt to determine whether any odor-causing chemical compounds can be identified in water samples. The samples will be shipped to the same research lab in Texas that VDH shipped samples.

Friday, August 30

Preliminary results from an odorant screening analysis, received on August 29, identified two chemicals that could have contributed to the cause of the odor. These chemicals were identified as Isovanillin and TPIB (2,2,4-Trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate). The concentration of each compound is unknown at this time. Analysis of existing samples and additional sampling will occur to confirm findings and try to establish concentration levels. VDH is consulting with U.S. EPA, researchers, DEQ, and toxicology staff.
ODW also completed another inspection of plant operations. Based on VDH's review and consultations, the drinking water can be used for all uses. Additional information on these chemicals, including toxicological information, can be found in the Sample Results tab of this website. VDH and DEQ will continue to investigate the source and cause of the odor. VDH will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Tuesday, September 3

ODW convened a facilitated discussion between experts in the field of water treatment, water treatment professional organizations, waterworks leaders, the EPA and state agencies involved in the investigation to assess current information and crowdsource avenues for investigation that might not have been addressed to date. Some areas for investigation were suggested and ODW staff committed to follow up on those suggestions.

ODW and RSA staff held a meeting to discuss current operations and request information related to plant equipment and testing documentation.

ODW collected unused sample volume from initial VOC analysis from the contract laboratory that performed the testing and shipped those samples to the Texas lab performing low level taste and odor analysis.

Wednesday, September 4

ODW and DEQ held multiple coordination meetings to discuss findings from activities and plan for future inquiries.

ODW received information related to chemical components of materials used in water treatment equipment from chemical manufacturers.

DEQ field and central office staff collected samples from the Rapidan River and Wilderness WTP for further analysis by the lab in Texas.

ODW coordinated with RSA on scheduling an assessment of the facility this week.

RSA provided information about food grade lubricants used in some of the WTP equipment.

DEQ completed a field investigation of a sheen on the ground surface and reported iron bacteria as to the cause, with no impact to the odor event.

Thursday, September 5

The taste and odor expert preliminarily identified a new chemical, benzaldehyde, that appears to be present in the drinking water from the samples submitted last week. All samples that contained the compound were in the post-treatment and distribution system and the odor could be detected in water prior to these sampling points. The expert is working with professors at Virginia Tech and Texas Tech to determine whether there might have been a chemical reaction during plant operations of a precursor chemical to precipitate benzaldehyde.

ODW reached out to a distributor and service technician for the RSA raw water pumps to get additional information related to pump issues experienced at the plant. A follow up meeting is scheduled for September 6.

ODW reached out to chemical manufacturer of a food grade lubricant installed in raw water pumps to see if they contained isovanillin and benzaldehyde. Manufacturer is researching all hydrocarbons and additives and will report back.

ODW consulted with a microbiological lab to determine potential testing that would identify a microbiological source of the odor. The laboratory determined it was unlikely that this event would come from a biological source given the facts of the investigation and recommended further organic chemical analysis. The laboratory also recommended a forensic materials scientist that could potentially link the scans already taken to a source material if it were identified depending on what the source was.

Friday, September 6

ODW issued an updated Source Water Assessment Report for the Wilderness WTP's Rapidan River intake. This report identifies potential sources of contamination in the watershed upstream of the drinking water intake, which will aid in the ongoing investigation.

ODW and DEQ met with representative of the distributor and service technician for the RSA raw water pumps to get an understanding of the cause of the pump failures which was attributed to electrical issues. RSA provided a timeline of the pump electrical issues, and the pump manufacturer reported on the condition of the pumps and their repair.

ODW obtained additional information about the food-grade mineral oil used in the raw water pumps and is seeking information about wire coatings in the pump wire stators that had electrical issues. No identified compounds were components of the oil.

DCLS supplied analysis results for herbicide, pesticide, volatile and semi volatile organic sample analysis. No chemicals of concern were identified, and results were added to the website.

An additional sample collection from intake wet wells that have been isolated since pump issues were identified has been scheduled for Monday, September 9.

DEQ coordinated sample analysis with the Texas lab for samples collected from the September 5 sampling event.

ODW issued an updated Source Water Assessment (SWA) Report for the Wilderness WTP's Rapidan River intake. The complete SWA Report, including Attachment A, can be found in its own tab on this incident page.

U.S. EPA Region 3 Support

U.S. EPA Region 3 Support

EPA Region 3 has been providing additional support during the incident. EPA has shared the following information through the event:

Regarding Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether (BCEE):

Staff could not find any specific evidence or data suggesting that BCEE could form during water treatment through chlorination of an organic precursor. EPA staff found information about the industrial scale production of BCEE, and based on that information, EPA thought it was unlikely that BCEE would form during drinking water treatment.
In the studies evaluated, the majority of BCEE found in drinking water was confirmed to be from industrial dischargers. During the National Organics Reconnaissance Survey of the 1970s, there were some detections of BCEE. One of those detections, in Philadelphia, was traced back to an industrial discharge to the sewer. The BCEE passed through the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) into the Delaware River. The investigators used NPDES permits for industrial dischargers in the area to find the responsible company.
EPA reported on one study that investigated leaching of organics from a pilot drinking water system with mixed plastic components. In this situation, EPA noted that several chloro-organic chemicals in water passed through the pilot plant, but again, no BCEE found.
Given the small sample size and methods used, EPA staff did not think there was sufficient data to state with high confidence that there was no BCEE in the source water. Thus, it may not be appropriate to completely rule out the possibility that BCEE was present in the source water, if the BCEE detect in the finished water was not a sampling or lab artifact.
Treatment of BCEE, using common and even advanced drinking water treatment, was not encouraging based on EPA’s literature review. While granular activated carbon (GAC), and presumably powered activated carbon (PAC) can remove some BCEE, those treatment processes could not be characterized as highly effective based on a literature review. However, strong oxidation processes, such as those involving the Fenton process, were found to be highly effective at destroying BCEE.
Regarding membrane treatment, EPA hypothesized that only reverse osmosis or a tight nanofiltration membrane would remove BCEE. EPA staff also would expect the BCEE to pass through microfiltration or ultrafiltration unless the latter processes were specifically modified and enhanced to remove dissolved organic compounds.

Regarding Isovanillin and TPIB:

None of the three contaminants identified thus far (TPIB, Isovanillin, BCEE) are common drinking water contaminants. Chemical concentrations and odors have declined since the problem started. Sampling should continue for these contaminants for some time to ensure the concentrations decay and do not come back. The largest likelihood was a point source contamination event that has passed, either upstream or within the plant. It would be worth taking samples in the locations the chemicals were found plus in the raw water to assess if the contamination came into the plant that way. If there is a second event, a much bigger issue exists, and knowing if the source is the raw water or within the plant is important to figure out.
Isovanillin is widely used as a flavor enhancer and sweetener in the production of sugar, popsicles, beverages, desserts, and tobacco and alcohol products. It is also used in pharmaceuticals. This information could provide clues as to whether the source is from an industrial discharge. Since it is safe to use in food products, this fact could lessen concern about the odor.

Regarding the investigation of the source of the odor, EPA stated that verifying no new equipment in operation at the water treatment plant, evaluating construction activities, and application of any applied sealants associated with construction would be useful.

Regarding membrane treatment, EPA could provide additional support and expertise, if needed.

EPA concurred that the DCLS high-resolution scan showing no contaminants of concern, VDH’s inspection and finding that no odor was at the water treatment plant, that flushing would support lifting of the Do Not Drink Advisory.

Alternate water for drinking should continue as long as the Do Not Use and Do Not Drink Advisories were in effect. Federal assistance is possible on providing bottled water and bulk water if Virginia would like that additional support.

Continue to provide flushing guidance for customers who are experiencing objectionable water. Customers must adequately flush the water supply at their homes to fully remove the objectionable water. Businesses that closed will likely need additional support on flushing guidelines. Flushing guidelines should be readily available, and the Rapidan Service Authority should provide support on flushing guidelines and questions. The Do Not Drink Advisory should remain in place until VDH determines that there is no risk to public health.

EPA will continue to help as requested. EPA will attend relevant meetings and updates to stay informed of decision-making throughout the event.

Background

Last Updated: September 10, 2024