SALUDA, Va. – Effective immediately, the Three Rivers Health District is issuing a recreational swimming advisory for Hoskins Creek and the Rappahannock River from the Dowing Bridge extending along the shoreline downstream to Wares Wharf until further notice. For the safety of people and pets, Three Rivers Health District is advising that recreational water activities, such as swimming and wading, be avoided in this area of the waterways. This advisory is issued out of an abundance of caution in response to an incident on July 9, 2025 where approximately 400,000 gallons of partially treated sewage was discharged from the plant into Hoskins Creek after a lightning strike caused an equipment failure. Ongoing discharge of partially treated sewage from the Town of Tappahannock wastewater treatment plant continues. The partially treated sewage is still being processed and filtered at the wastewater plant but is not undergoing final disinfection which could increase the likelihood of bacteria presence in the advisory area. The Town does have a contingency plan in place to use other methods of final disinfection which will begin in the afternoon of July 10, 2025 and will continue to sample the treated sewage from the outfall to Hoskins Creek for the presence of bacteria. The Three Rivers Health District is advising the public to avoid activities in the advisory area that will result in prolonged contact such as swimming or stand-up paddle boarding (SUPing) and prevent pets from swimming. Activities that result in limited contact such wading in the water to launch a boat, kayaking, canoeing, may continue with proper caution. The Town of Tappahannock, Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and Department of Environmental Quality will continue to monitor this incident to assess any hazard to public health, and the advisory will be continuously evaluated. VDH has observed no evidence of impacts to drinking water at this time.
To prevent recreational water illnesses due to sewage release events, people should:
• Avoid contact with any area of the waterbody of Hoskins Creek and its opening to the Rappahannock River in Tappahannock and the shoreline downstream to Wares Wharf and observe advisory signage posted at waterbody access points.
• Avoid any area of the waterbody where there is water with a foul or chemical odor, dead or dying fish, or discolored water.
• Promptly wash skin with soap and water if you cannot avoid contact with water in the vicinity.
• Rinse or wash items that come into contact with the water, including clothing, fishing gear, life vests, ropes and paddles.
• Seek medical care and notify your practitioner of the waterbody exposure if you experience adverse health effects after contact with the waterbody.
Visit www.SwimHealthyVa.com for ways to stay safe while recreating in natural waterbodies
