Gordonsville and Rapidan Service Authority (RSA) Water / Sewer Update

Where We Are Today

The Town of Gordonsville and the Rapidan Service Authority (RSA) both play important roles in providing water and sewer service. But with multiple systems and different rate structures, things are complicated — and potentially costly — for residents. It’s time to look for ways to make the systems more effective, efficient, and easier for customers to understand.

Short Term (within 90 days): Fixing Rates and Customer Service

• Reviewing Rates: Gordonsville and RSA should take a fresh look at their water and sewer rates. By reviewing and adjusting where warranted, we can make sure customers are paying rates that fairly reflect the true cost of service.

• Improving Customer Response: Today, Gordonsville bills and maintains water while RSA maintains sewer. This split often leads to confusion when customers have problems — for example, if someone calls about a sewer odor, Gordonsville may send them to RSA, but sometimes RSA doesn’t follow through, or Gordonsville doesn’t notify RSA. Residents deserve better. Clearer coordination and a single point of responsibility for complaints need to be established so issues are identified and handled quickly and reliably.

Mid Term (within 1 year): Improving Efficiency & Tackling Water Loss

Right now, there appears to be about a 40% gap on average between the amount of water RSA meters say it sells to Gordonsville and what Gordonsville meters say they sell to customers. It’s not yet clear whether that gap comes from leaks in the system, faulty meters, or some combination of factors — but in any case, it’s costing residents money. A reasonable, industry-accepted goal is that the meters are accurate to within 1.5% and the water loss is reduced to no more than 15%. The water loss goal is not easy to achieve, it will take work and collaboration - but I do believe it is achievable.

For RSA and Gordonsville, the path forward means more than just fixing leaks. They need to strengthen preventive maintenance plans, re-evaluate their processes and organizational structure, and put forward clear plans for system improvements and upgrades. Some of these investments may cost more in the mid-term, but they will yield real savings and stability for customers in the long run.

Long Term (within 2 years): Exploring One System

In the future, we should carefully explore whether one provider — either the Town of Gordonsville, a Town of Gordonsville/Town of Orange partnership, or RSA — could deliver better service at lower cost. This isn’t about rushing into a decision, but about studying the options and making sure residents get the best value and the most reliable service.

Closing Thought

Water is one of our most important resources, and everyone deserves systems that are efficient, reliable, and supported by exceptional customer service. By working together on rates today, reducing leaks, improving efficiency, and exploring long-term single source-solutions, we can make sure Gordonsville and Orange County families are well served for years to come.

Jason on the farm in Gordonsville

How I Reached The Above Conclusions

I studied this issue from end to end — meeting with the Town of Gordonsville, RSA, RSA Board members, maintenance people who work on the systems, and contractors who have done work for RSA. I reviewed the contracts between Gordonsville and RSA and examined the rate structures. I also studied the issues at Lake of the Woods to see how they might apply to the Gordonsville leg of RSA. Based on this work, I believe the steps above can bring immediate cost relief to residents and, over the mid and long term, create more reliable, efficient, and lower cost water and sewer service for Gordonsville and other RSA/Gordonsville customers.