The investigation continues into what has contaminated an eastern Orange County water supply as residents take to social media, sharing images and reports of discolored and foul smelling water.
Though residents are now able to use tap water to bathe or do laundry, it’s still not safe to drink and some are questioning if it should be used at all. A petroleum odor, while dissipating, is still noticeable in the water supply. And neither the Rapidan Service Authority nor the Virginia Department of Health have determined what has contaminated the water.
On Wednesday, the Rapidan Service Authority said it had found hydrocarbons in the water at its Wilderness Water Treatment Plant which services eastern Orange County. Hydrocarbons are a broad category of organic compounds found in crude oil, natural gas and coal. Consuming hydrocarbons can cause upset stomach, stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Locust Grove resident Patrick Chaffin is …