View the original press release here.
Charlottesville, VA… July 24, 2026… 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.