SALUDA—The Three Rivers Health District on Wednesday, July 16. liftted the recreational swimming advisory for Hoskins Creek and the Rappahannock River from the Downing Bridge extending along the shoreline downstream to Wares Wharf.
Sampling results collected by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on Monday, July 14, indicated bacteria concentrations in Hoskins Creek and the Rappahannock River in the advisory area had returned to previously observed background levels, reported district director Brenden Rivenbark.
This advisory was issued out of an abundance of caution in response to an incident that occurred between late July 8 and 12, where approximately 725,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater was discharged from the Tappahannock Wastewater Treatment Plant into Hoskins Creek after a lightning strike caused an equipment failure.
Repairs to the plant have been completed. The Virginia Department of Health VDH has observed no evidence of impacts to drinking water at this time.
To stay safe while recreating in natural waters the public should:
• Never swallow untreated water and don’t swim with 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 vomiting or experiencing 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 a healthcare provider before swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers and other natural bodies of water if the body’s ability to fight germs is already affected by other health problems or medicines.
Visit www.SwimHealthyVa.com for ways to stay safe while recreating in natural waterbodies.
