Swimming advisory lifted for Hoskins Creek, Rappahannock River after sewage leak in town of Tappahannock

Swimming advisory lifted for Hoskins Creek, Rappahannock River after sewage leak in town of Tappahannock

ESSEX COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The swimming advisory issued for Hoskins Creek and the Rappahannock River following the release of roughly 725,000 gallons of sewage from the Tappahannock Wastewater Treatment Plant has been lifted, according to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

The VDH announced that the swimming advisory for Hoskins Creek and the Rappahannock River was lifted in the morning on Wednesday, July 16.

The department said sampling results collected by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on July 14 indicate that bacteria concentrations in both bodies of water in the advisory area had returned to previously observed levels.

This comes after the Tappahannock Wastewater Treatment Plant experienced an equipment failure due to a lightning strike on Wednesday, July 9, causing the plant to spill roughly 750,000 gallons of partially treated sewage into waterways.

Repairs to the plant have reportedly been completed, according to the VDH.

To stay safe while swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or boating, the VDH said to keep the following in mind:

  • 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 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.