In a recent meeting of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, officials gathered to address pressing concerns regarding water quality and infrastructure improvements following a notice of alleged violation issued by the Virginia Department of Health. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as representatives from the Rapidan Service Authority (RSA) outlined their corrective action plan aimed at restoring public trust and ensuring the safety of the water supply.
The RSA's presentation detailed a comprehensive response to the violation, which included a commitment to enhance operational monitoring and infrastructure oversight. Among the seven key actions proposed, RSA emphasized the importance of identifying contributing factors to the incident and implementing a robust emergency response plan. They pledged to improve communication strategies with customers, ensuring that concerns about water quality are addressed promptly and effectively.
"Rebuilding trust with our customers is our top priority," stated an RSA representative, acknowledging the community's concerns and the need for transparency. The authority plans to increase on-site inspections during construction activities and to revise operational procedures to prevent future service interruptions. They also aim to install advanced filtration systems to improve water taste and odor, addressing ongoing issues related to disinfection byproducts.
Community engagement was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. RSA officials encouraged residents to participate in their notification platform for timely updates and expressed a desire to establish a social media presence to enhance communication. The meeting also provided a platform for local business owners affected by the water outage to voice their concerns, with one business owner highlighting the need for better information dissemination from RSA to local offices.
As the meeting concluded, RSA representatives reiterated their commitment to ongoing improvements and invited residents to reach out with any questions or concerns. The proactive steps outlined during the meeting reflect a concerted effort to not only comply with health regulations but also to foster a stronger relationship with the community, ensuring that the safety and quality of water remain a top priority for Orange County.