Minor fuel spill occurs at the Ragged Mountain Reservoir
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – A mishap with a floating barge caused a minor fuel spill at the Ragged Mountain Reservoir. The barge, which was used for transporting fallen trees across the reservoir, experienced a failure in its fuel storage system. Less than a gallon of fuel leaked from the vessel. The spill was safely contained through the use of an oil sorbent boom. The incident occurred on the east side of the reservoir, near the boat ramp.
Crews are working this morning to continue cleanup efforts. There is no immediate threat to water located outside of the containment area.
In an abundance of caution, the Observatory Water Treatment Plant, which draws its water from the Ragged Mountain Reservoir, has enhanced its treatment process by adding additional powdered activated carbon. The carbon helps bind to potential contaminants, allowing them to be removed from the water. Staff are closely monitoring odor and appearance for any abnormalities that may indicate potential pollutants are reaching the water treatment plant.
The Ragged Mountain Pool Fill Project is one of several water supply projects currently under construction by RWSA. This project will fully utilize the reservoir's storage capacity by allowing the pool level to rise 12 feet. Trees around the reservoir have been cleared to allow space for the additional 700 million gallons of water. The logging barge was being used to transport the cut trees across the reservoir to be processed offsite.
The Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority & Solid Waste Authority’s mission is to serve the Charlottesville, Albemarle, and UVA communities by providing high-quality water and wastewater treatment, refuse, and recycling services in a financially responsible and sustainable manner.
RWSA provides wholesale water and sewer services to the Charlottesville Department of Utilities and Albemarle County Service Authority.
RWSA manages five reservoirs, nine dams, six drinking water treatment plants, five finished water pumping stations, eleven water storage tanks, four wastewater treatment plants, and nine wastewater pumping stations.
In 2025, RWSA processed an average of 10.25 million gallons of drinking water and 9.47 million gallons of wastewater each day.
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