Rapidan Service Authority

07/08/2026

The Rapidan is a unique river. Aside from being our primary water source, it also supports world class trout fishing!

07/07/2026

As we head into peak summer amid drought conditions this month, let's keep water conservation methods in mind.

Below are just a few helpful actions you can take to reduce your water use.
1️⃣ Instead of using running water to thaw food, defrost it in the refrigerator for efficiency and food safety.
2️⃣ Take a shower instead of a bath.
3️⃣ When purchasing new appliances, check the water requirements, as they can widely differ.
4️⃣ Don't over-water grass. One and a half inches of water once a week is enough to keep it alive and healthy.
5️⃣ Water lawns early in the morning during the hotter summer months. Otherwise, much of the water used on the lawn can simply evaporate between the sprinkler and the grass.

Many more ways to conserve water can be found at www.rapidan.org/water-conservation-tips.

Thanks to the County of Orange, Virginia - Local Government, the Town of Orange, Virginia, and the Town of Gordonsville for helping us get these conservation tips out.

07/06/2026

Here's a must know for your Monday morning. 👇

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July!

As you celebrate today, remember to stay hydrated and keep water nearby—especially when using grills or fireworks.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday!

07/02/2026

While no mandatory restrictions are in place, we all need to do our part to ease the burden on our streamflow and groundwater resources. Along with our partners in the Counties and Towns RSA serves, we'll continue working to disseminate this important information.

Thank you to the County of Orange, Virginia - Local Government, the Town of Gordonsville, and the Town of Orange, Virginia for working with us on getting these conservation tips out!

Orange County, in cooperation with the Rapidan Service Authority, the Town of Orange, Virginia, and the Town of Gordonsville, is encouraging residents to take steps to help conserve water while our area continues to face drought conditions.

Any action you can take to reduce water use is beneficial! Below are some examples of easy ways to help.
1️⃣ Check your home for any leaks. A slow drip can waste as much as 170 gallons of water each day. If you locate a leak, turn off the water supply and make repairs or contact a plumber for assistance.
2️⃣ Reducing your shower length by a minute or two can save up to 150 gallons per month.
3️⃣ Always run appliances like dishwashers and washing machines with a full load to save water, energy, and detergents.
4️⃣ Small changes to personal routines can save a lot of water. Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth, shaving, etc. to save up to 25 gallons a month.
5️⃣ When washing cars, use a bucket of soapy water and only run the hose to rinse. Using a commercial carwash that recycles water is even better.

Many more ways to conserve water can be found at www.rapidan.org/water-conservation-tips.

According to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Orange County has been under a drought warning for an extended period. Currently, there are no required restrictions in place. With our partners, we will continue to evaluate the situation and provide further information and guidance as it develops.

While public systems are regularly monitored, residents on private wells should be especially mindful of water conservation at this time. Wells rely on groundwater supplies that can be more vulnerable to periods of limited rainfall. Many of the same water conservation tips are just as beneficial, if not more, for well users.

We appreciate our residents’ assistance with water conservation efforts. Residents on public water systems can contact their provider for additional information.

View the original press release: https://www.orangecountyva.gov/m/NewsFlash/home/detail/2066

07/01/2026

As temperatures continue to rise this week, having indoor places to cool off and rehydrate is essential.

If you need to beat the heat, please come to our cooling center for relief.

07/01/2026

Hydration is important in the heat — and one of the best ways to stay hydrated is by keeping out of the sun and staying cool.

Beginning Wednesday, July 1, the Orange County Social Services Department will open its lobby at 146 North Madison Road, Suite 201, Orange, VA 22960, as a cooling station for those in need of relief during this week’s heat wave. The space will be available for Orange County residents to sit comfortably in the air conditioning. In addition to a break from the heat, Social Services will have other related resources available, including water and information about cooling assistance programs.

Staff will continue to monitor the situation and update as needed. Currently, the lobby is planned to be open for cooling purposes from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 1 through Thursday, July 2. Pets are not allowed at the cooling station.

The Social Services Department and lobby will be closed on Friday, July 3, However, those in need of heat relief on Friday, July 3 should contact the non-emergency dispatch number at (540) 672-1234 and ask for the on-call Family Services Specialist to be connected to assistance and area resources.

The Orange County Airport’s terminal will also be available as a cooling station on Saturday, July 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Airport is located at 11275 Aviation Way, Orange, VA 22960.

The Social Services Department encourages residents to be safe during the expected high temperatures. Learn more about extreme heat preparedness and safety at www.ready.gov/heat.

Those who are aware they will need assistance or heat relief services are encouraged to contact Orange County Social Services at (540) 672-6166 for assistance and direction to available resources.

View the original press release: https://orangecountyva.gov/m/NewsFlash/home/detail/2065

July 1, 2026 Edit: A prior version of this release contained a typo listing Saturday as July 6. It has been corrected to July 4.

07/01/2026

This Plastic Free July, help us keep our watershed clean by reducing waste and recycling when possible.

Learn more 👇

Learn what the numbers on plastic containers mean, which plastics are safe, which to avoid, and how to recycle them properly using the 1–7 resin code chart.

06/30/2026

RSA is proud to continue our tradition of receiving an annual Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. RSA has received this recognition for 41 years.

This is the highest recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. It reflects our commitment to transparency and responsible management.

Welcome to the Official Website of Rapidan Service Authority in Madison, VA!

06/25/2026

Did you know? 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons of water or more per day.

Here's some tips on checking for leaks: https://www.rapidan.org/prevent-water-waste