Tag: drinking water

VDH in the News – June 16, 2025

Posted on by brianlittle

VDH in the News – June 16, 2025

 

Here are some of the items in today’s news scan. Stories include measles, drinking water, alpha-gal, babesiosis, mobile clinics, harmful algal bloom, cancer, and more. Some of the articles may contain specific references to VDH, while others describe issues that may be of interest or concern to VDH. To view a complete article, click the underlined link. If you have any questions or comments, let me know.

 

 

Alpha-gal syndrome is gaining recognition in Virginia. For those who have the tick-borne illness, it’s long overdue.
Cardinal News
June 13, 2025
By Emily Schabacker

 

… A bill that passed unanimously during the 2024 General Assembly session added alpha-gal syndrome to Virginia’s list of reportable diseases. Starting July 1, health care professionals must report cases to the Virginia Department of Health. In Virginia, health officials don’t know how many people have the condition because the state hasn’t tracked it, said Cali Anderson, senior epidemiologist for the Central Virginia Health District. ,,, “We will now be able to track what’s occurring with alpha-gal. Up until this time, we haven’t really had a reliable method of tracking other than anecdotal reports,” Anderson said. … While alpha-gal cases are rising in some areas, other tick-borne diseases, like Lyme disease, declined last year, at least in the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts, said Christie Wills, the districts’ public information officer. … “It’s ticks that have been attached longer we’re more worried about. That’s not a hard and fast rule, just a generality,” Wills said.

 

Note: There were additional items on this topic in today’s news.
Tick-borne illnesses expected to rise this season

 

Fairfax County warns of ‘harmful’ algae bloom in Burke Lake
ABC 7 News
June 13, 2025
By Sonia Dasgupta

 

Fairfax County Park Authority is warning the public about a “harmful” algae bloom at Burke Lake. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) states: “Algae are naturally occurring microscopic organisms found in fresh and salt waters of Virginia and around the world.” “Algal blooms can be any color, but the most common ones are red or brown and are known as either ‘red’ or ‘brown tides. Most algal blooms are not harmful, but some do affect fish and humans, as well as other animals like birds and marine mammals. These are known as Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). If water is discolored, murky, has an odor, or if there appears to be a film on the water surface, swimming is not advised for humans or pets,” VDH states.

 

 

VDH reports potential measles exposure in Northern Virginia, D.C. area
Inside NOVA
June 15, 2025
By Inside NOVA Staff

 

The Virginia Department of Health has been notified of a confirmed case of measles at Dulles International Airport and the Washington metro area earlier this month. The patient is an international traveler visiting the D.C. area, the VDH said in a Saturday news release. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights.

 

Note: There were additional items on this topic in today’s news.
Health officials investigating possible measles exposure in Northern Virginia

Health officials investigate measles exposure linked to international traveler in Northern Virginia

 

State health department reports measles exposure in NoVa

 

VDH reports potential measles exposure in Northern Virginia, D.C. area

 

 

City enters into Order of Consent for January water crisis
WWBT 12
June 13, 2025
By 12 On Your Side digital team

 

Richmond and the Virginia Department of Health have entered an agreement months after the January water crisis. The order of consent summarizes a series of violations and what the city is doing to correct them. Among other things, the order confirms a ‘corrective action plan’ that both the city and VDH agreed to. The plan is required after the city received a second violation notice back in April. The violation was issued at the same time as the state’s final report on the water crisis.

 

Note: There were additional items on this topic in today’s news.
Richmond enters agreement with VDH to fix its water system

 

 

Rare tick-borne illness making headway in Virginia
WRIC ABC 8
June 13, 2025
By Madison Moore

 

As summer calls us outdoors, a crucial health warning emerges from medical experts. While Lyme disease often grabs headlines, a lesser-known but increasingly concerning tick-borne illness, babesiosis, is making its presence felt in Virginia. Babesiosis is caused by a tiny parasite carried by the blacklegged tick or “deer tick” — the same ticks notorious for transmitting Lyme disease. … The Virginia Department of Health reports only 17 confirmed cases of babesiosis originating in Virginia since 2016, with most found on the Eastern Shore or in Southwest Virginia.

 

 

Mobile clinics will serve rural health needs
Galax Gazette
June 13, 2025
By Shannon Watkins

 

Two new mobile clinics will provide medical care to underserved areas of Southwest Virginia, focusing on communities like Whitetop, Dugspur, Laurel Fork and Independence. The Mount Rogers Health District, Mount Rogers Community Services and Highlands Community Services teamed up to launch the mobile units.

 

 

UVA Cancer Center Advisory Council shares roadmap for reducing cancer’s impact
Cville Right Now
June 13, 2025
By Dori Zuk

 

The UVA Cancer Center Community Advisory Council (CAC) has developed a community-focused roadmap to reduce cancer’s impact across Virginia and West Virginia. …The roadmap will contribute to the Cancer Center’s plans for research and outreach across the 87 counties it serves in Virginia and West Virginia. UVA Cancer Center has launched a comprehensive sun safety program in local schools through its community outreach and engagement office in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health and the Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia.

Virginia Department of Health Releases Investigative Summary Report for Rapidan Service Authority Objectionable Odor Event

September 25, 2024
Media Contact: Tristen Franklin, Tristen.Franklin@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health Releases Investigative Summary Report for Rapidan Service Authority Objectionable Odor Event

ORANGE COUNTY, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Office of Drinking Water (ODW) has released an Investigative Summary Report concluding the investigation into the Rapidan Service Authority (RSA) objectionable odor event that began August 21.

The report shows that following an investigation, in cooperation with RSA, VDH ODW determined that a catastrophic failure of a raw water pump at the intake from the Rapidan River caused the objectionable odor. The catastrophic pump failure occurred on August 20, the day before customers noticed the objectionable odor.

When the pump failed, about two to three gallons of food grade mineral oil were released. The mineral oil was likely thermally altered, burned, or scorched from the catastrophic pump failure causing the “WD-40-like” objectionable odor. The food grade mineral oil did not pose a threat to public health based on toxicology reviews, epidemiological monitoring, and sampling results.

The full report, which can be found on the incident webpage, outlines the details of the multi-agency response and the complete investigation, which include the expertise of a taste and odor expert in Texas. State agencies had 98 total samples analyzed for more than 2,357 individual analyte results. Analyses included 21 published analytical methods by certified laboratories and six research or pending publication methods.

“The Office of Drinking Water looks forward to working with the Rapidan Service Authority to address recommendations, findings, and learning lessons from the investigation so that this type of event does not happen again,” said Director of Office of Drinking water Dwayne Roadcap. “The community must have a trusted and safe water supply. The community must have confidence in the Rapidan Service Authority’s ability to effectively deliver affordable and quality drinking water that continues to meet public health standards and community expectations.”

The report also includes recommendations from ODW to prevent similar incidents from occurring again.  Top recommendations include:

  • RSA to routinely and regularly monitor its raw water,
  • RSA to add additional treatment processes, such as granular or powdered activated carbon,
  • RSA to implement stronger communication protocols,
  • RSA to improve oversight of contractors, and
  • RSA to develop a comprehensive emergency response plan to prevent and respond to future incidents.

“RSA intends to thoroughly evaluate and implement the necessary protocols to prevent anything like this from occurring again in the future.” said RSA General Manager Tim Clemons. “RSA is committed to operating the Wilderness water system in the best manner possible and meeting the needs of our customers. It is our goal to provide both the best water that we can, as well as providing excellent customer service to those we serve. We want to thank the many customers that have interacted with our staff, both on the phone and in person, during the recent odor event.”

The objectionable odor event began on Wednesday, August 21, when a Do Not Use Water Advisory was issued by RSA, the owner of the Wilderness Water Treatment Plant (WTP), in coordination with the VDH, out of an abundance of caution following multiple reports of an odor in the drinking water. On Saturday, August 24, as the objectionable odor continued to dissipate, the advisory was changed, in coordination with VDH, to a Do Not Drink Water Advisory after comprehensive water sampling showed that the Wilderness water system complied with federal and state drinking water standards and was not a public health risk. The Do Not Drink Water Advisory was lifted Tuesday, August 27 after the odor dissipated at the water treatment plant and in the distribution system. Laboratory sampling data over multiple days continually demonstrated that the drinking water fully complied with federal and state drinking water standards.

VDH completed this investigation with the assistance of RSA, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), the Virginia Department of General Services Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Orange County. Special thanks to City of Wichita Falls, Texas taste and odor expert J. Hunter Adams, M.S., Virginia Tech’s Andrea Dietrich, Ph.D., and Texas State University’s Keisuke Ikehata, Ph.D.

For additional information about this event, please visit the incident webpage.

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Rapidan Service Authority, Virginia Department of Health Lift Do Not Drink Advisory for Wilderness Water Treatment Plant Customers

August 27, 2024
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, VDH, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov
Or Tim Clemons, RSA, tclemons@rapidan.org

Rapidan Service Authority, Virginia Department of Health Lift Do Not Drink Advisory for Wilderness Water Treatment Plant Customers

ORANGE COUNTY, Va. – Effective immediately, Rapidan Service Authority (RSA), in consultation with the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Office of Drinking Water (ODW), is lifting the Do Not Drink Water Advisory.

A multi-agency response investigation, led by VDH ODW, has not found any reason for the advisory to continue.

Laboratory sampling data over multiple days continually demonstrated that the drinking water fully complies with federal and state drinking water standards. This data was reviewed by ODW’s subject matter experts, toxicologists, and U.S. EPA Region 3 staff.

VDH’s daily inspections of the water treatment plant and distribution system confirmed that the objectionable odor in the drinking water is no longer present at the water treatment plant and had sufficiently dissipated in the distribution system to no longer be a concern.

Despite best efforts from multiple state agencies to identify the source or cause of the odor, it could not be determined. Certified laboratories were unable to identify any contaminant that would have explained the odor. VDH ODW will pursue any new development that would warrant investigation or follow-up.

All VDH permitted food facilities are permitted to reopen. The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) food safety team will email reopening guidance for food facilities. OCHD food safety team members will visit permitted facilities to check in and answer food safety and reopening questions.

RSA advises customers who still detect an odor to flush their taps. Visit the RSA website 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.

For more information, please contact Rapidan Service Authority at (540) 972-2133.

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Virginia Department of Health Provide Update on Wilderness Water Treatment Plant Investigation

August 24, 2024
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, VDH, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health Provide Update on Wilderness Water Treatment Plant Investigation
Do Not Drink Water Advisory Remains in Place

ORANGE COUNTY, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Office of Drinking Water (ODW) completed field investigations and inspections at Rapidan Service Authority’s (RSA) water treatment plant and distribution system August 25. Based on VDH’s observations, the Do Not Drink Water Advisory remains in effect.

The objectionable odor continues to reduce. Sampling continues to confirm drinking water remains in compliance with federal and state drinking water standards and is still being used to try to identify the source of the odor. VDH plans to complete another inspection at the water treatment plant and distribution system on Monday, August 26. Following this inspection, VDH and RSA will reassess the nature of the advisory and provide updates if available.

On Wednesday, August 21, a Do Not Use Water Advisory was issued by RSA, the owner of the Wilderness Water Treatment Plant (WTP), in coordination with the VDH, out of an abundance of caution following multiple reports an odor in the drinking water. On Saturday, August 24, the advisory was changed to a Do Not Drink Water Advisory after comprehensive water sampling during the past few days showed that the Wilderness water system complies with federal and state drinking water standards and does not indicate a public health risk.

All VDH permitted food facilities are asked to remain closed until the advisory is lifted. However, the swimming advisory was lifted.

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

For additional information, please visit the WTP Do Not Use incident page. 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.

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Rapidan Service Authority, Virginia Department of Health Change Do Not Use Water Advisory to Do Not Drink for Wilderness Water Treatment Plant Customers

August 24, 2024
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, VDH, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov
Or Tim Clemons, RSA, tclemons@rapidan.org

Rapidan Service Authority, Virginia Department of Health Change Do Not Use Water Advisory to Do Not Drink for Wilderness Water Treatment Plant Customers
Water Still Not Cleared to Drink

ORANGE COUNTY, Va. – Effective immediately, Rapidan Service Authority (RSA), in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Office of Drinking Water (ODW), is changing the Do Not Use Water Advisory to a Do Not Drink Water Advisory.

This change is based on lab sampling results, a review by subject matter experts and toxicologists, a lessening of the odor of concern at the water treatment plant, and no odor of concern at the Rapidan River intake.

Residents can now safely use the water supply for bathing, toilet flushing, laundry, and other uses not associated with consumption or ingestion. Do not use the water for activities associated with consumption, including drinking, beverage and food preparation (including baby formula and juice), dishwashing, cleaning food contact surfaces, making ice or coffee, and brushing teeth. Parents are encouraged to closely monitor children who take a bath to avoid ingestion at this time.

Only bottled water should be used for drinking, beverage and food preparation until further notice. Those affected should not try to treat the water themselves. Boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants, or letting the water stand will not make the water safe to consume.

All VDH permitted food facilities are asked to remain closed until the advisory is lifted.

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.

The Do Not Use Water Advisory was issued Wednesday, August 21 by RSA, the owner of the Wilderness Water Treatment Plant (WTP), in coordination with the VDH, out of an abundance of caution following multiple reports an odor in the drinking water.

RSA, VDH, and other responding state partners have been conducting sampling of the water system since a concerning odor in the water supply became evident on Wednesday, August 21. Several rounds of comprehensive lab sampling results, which were received on August 22 and 23, show that the Wilderness WTP water system complies with federal and state drinking water standards, despite the lingering odor of concern. The objectionable odor, initially detected by several residents and at the water treatment plant staff, has lessened over time at the water treatment plant.

Comprehensive water sampling during the past three days shows that the Wilderness water system complies with federal and state drinking water standards. VDH ODW reviewed results with appropriate experts and toxicologists. The Do Not Drink Advisory is recommended out of an abundance of caution until the odor of concern is lessened to a greater level. The comprehensive lab sampling performed to date do not indicate a public health risk. The odor of concern is dissipating. RSA and VDH ODW are meeting daily with the goal to lift the Do Not Drink Advisory as soon as the odor is eliminated or reduced to the extent possible, with continued lab sampling showing no impacts to public health.

VDH ODW is performing additional evaluations and inspections. RSA is actively taking actions to lessen and eliminate the odor of concern while sampling continues. While the source of the objectionable odor has not been discovered, state agencies and local partners continue to investigate why it happened and what caused it.

For additional information, please visit the WTP Do Not Use incident page.

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Virginia Department of Health Launches Lead Testing in Drinking Water at Virginia Schools and Child Care Centers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — July 8, 2022
Media Contact:  Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health Launches Lead Testing in Drinking Water at Virginia Schools and Child Care Centers

RICHMOND, VA – Today, the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Office of Drinking Water (ODW) announced the launch of a statewide voluntary Lead Testing in Drinking Water at Schools and Child Care Centers in Virginia program. This free program will test for lead in drinking water in select Virginia public schools and child care centers.

The purpose of this program, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is to help Virginia public schools and child care centers identify lead occurrences in their drinking water and reduce exposure.  Currently, the program has approximately $1.1 million in funding, which will be able to collect and analyze 40,000 samples.

Virginia public schools (K-12) and child care centers interested in participating in this program should enroll at leadinvawater.org.  Selected schools/child care centers will be notified by the VDH team.

Selection to the program is based on available funding with prioritization based upon the affordability criteria established by the state under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), to include schools with at least 50% of the children receiving free and reduced lunch and head start facilities. Priority will also be given to elementary schools and child care centers that primarily serve children 6 years and under and older facilities that are more likely to contain lead plumbing.

“This program is an amazing opportunity to partner with schools and child care centers to help identify and reduce lead exposure in drinking water in children,” said Dr. Tony Singh, deputy director of the Office of Drinking Water. “Every action we take to reduce lead exposures improves the health of our children.”

Protecting children from lead exposure is important for lifelong health, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the EPA.  Lead is especially harmful to the health of children because it can interfere with brain development.

Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. Lead pipes are more likely to be found in older cities and homes/buildings built before 1986 before the SDWA banned lead in plumbing fixtures.

To learn more about this program visit leadinvawater.org or email info@leadinvawater.org.

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