1/5/2026
KEATONS LAKE UPDATE: JANUARY 5, 2026:
Keatons Lake boat launch/ cove area remains CLOSED to recreational contact until further notice.
Members and their pets should avoid contact with the water as well as any other activities that may pose a risk of ingesting water in the CLOSED AREA of Keatons Lake. (See Map below for CLOSED AREA)
RSA INCIDENT SUMMARY REPORT:
On December 25, a sewer line break occurred at 832 Eastover Parkway in the Lake of the Woods community. Rapidan Service Authority (RSA) was notified at 1:39 p.m. and had the affected line isolated by 2:20 p.m.
While awaiting a response from Miss Utility, RSA utilized a vacuum truck to remove sewage from the impacted ditch line in order to minimize environmental impact. Lake of the Woods Association (LOWA) staff were notified as soon as RSA’s onsite manager became aware of the situation.
As soon as Ms. Utility responded, RSA repaired the line by replacing approximately four (4) feet of damaged pipe. The pipe is estimated to be approximately 40 years old, and the failure appears to have occurred at or near a location of a prior repair.
It is estimated that approximately 500 gallons of sewage entered Keatons Lake near 105 Larkspur Lane. Upon completion of the repairs, lime was applied to the affected ditch line as a mitigation measure. The incident was reported to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) later that same afternoon.
Given the age of the pipe, RSA’s engineer and staff are evaluating the cost and schedule for replacing this section of line in its entirety.
If you have any further questions regarding this matter, please contact RSA’s office at (540) 972-2133 to speak to a manager.
KEATONS LAKE WATER QUALITY TESTING RESULTS:
LOWA and RSA collected water samples for lab testing on December 29. Results were reported to LOWA Environmental Resources Director on Friday, January 2.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) E. coli threshold is 235 CFU/100ml for beach advisories (CFU and MPN are equivalent measures for this purpose).
RSA results from 105 Larkspur lane (where the sewage entered) = 90.9 MPN/100ml
LOWA results from Keatons lake boat launch (2nd closest point to where the sewage entered and the main public access point to Keatons Lake = 488.4 MPN/100ml
LOWA results from middle of the south arm = 23.5 MPN/100ml-OPEN
LOWA results from Cumberland Beach = 3.1 MPN/100ml-OPEN
LOWA results from Mid-lake = 4.1 MPN/100ml-OPEN
LOWA results from Near dam= 3.0 MPN/100ml-OPEN
Keatons Lake boat launch and cove remains CLOSED for WATER RECREATION.
Any water activities (for both people and pets) should be avoided in the BOAT LAUNCH AND COVE AREA until follow-up testing confirms that E. coli levels fall within the state threshold.
(See the map BELOW for the CLOSED zone)
Cumberland Beach and other areas of Keatons Lake have tested within the VDH state threshold which allow those areas to OPEN for water activities.
NEXT STEPS: LOWA took a sample at Keatons Lake boat launch on Monday, January 5 to continue to monitor E. coli levels in that affected area those results should be available within 7-days for reporting.
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Sewage Overflow Advisory December 25, 2025:
Keaton's Lake is closed to recreational contact until further notice.
RSA has notified LOWA of a sewage leak in the 800 block of Eastover Parkway, which traveled through a ditch and feeder creek to 100 block of Larkspur Lane and traveled into Keaton's lake near the boat launch. It is reported to be roughly 500 gallons. The leak has been isolated and RSA is on site and conducting cleanup with a vacuum truck and will lime the contaminated area. LOWA will collect water samples for lab testing from the area and will notify members when test results show E. coli levels below the state threshold.
Members should avoid contact with the water as well as any other activities that may pose a risk of ingesting water in Keatons Lake.
Customers in LOW should promptly report any issues with the sewer system to RSA by phone at (540) 972-2133. Technicians are on-call 24/7/365 and will respond immediately.