Golden State Water Company on Monday advised about 500 Clearlake residents to boil water used for drinking due to possible contamination, the Lake County Record-Bee reported.
The precautionary boil water notice, affecting residents along Lakeshore Drive, north of and including San Joaquin Drive, was issued due to a temporary loss of pressure in parts of the Clearlake system, resulting from the local Sulphur Fire.
“When the water system loses pressure, even temporarily, it is possible for contaminants to enter the system,” said Dawn White, Water Quality Manager for Golden State Water. “We have no evidence of anything harmful entering the system, but issued the precautionary boil water notice until test results can demonstrate that the water is safe.”
Customers who received the precautionary boil water notice are advised not to drink water without boiling it first. Only boiled water or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation. Tap water should be boiled for at least one minute, and left to cool before using.
An alternative method of disinfection for residents that are not able to boil their water is to use fresh, unscented, liquid household bleach. To do so, add eight drops (or 1/8 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of clear water or 16 drops (or 1/4 teaspoon) per gallon of cloudy water, mix thoroughly, and allow it to stand for 30 minutes before using. A chlorine-like taste and odor will result from this disinfection procedure and is an indication that adequate disinfection has taken place.
Water disinfection tablets may also be used by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Golden State Water will inform impacted customers when they no longer need to boil the water.
For updates, customers are encouraged to check www.gswater.com/clearlake or call Golden State Water’s 24-hour Customer Service Center at 800-999-4033.