Water Quality Alert ( Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles area, California)

Due to a power outage, this morning the City of Manhattan Beach experienced a drop in water system pressure. As a safety precaution, residents and businesses are advised to use boiled tap or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes for the next 48 hours or until further notified.

There has been no identified problem with the drinking water. This is a precautionary measure only.

BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING Failure to follow this advisory could result in stomach or intestinal illness.

Due to the recent event water outage, the California Department of Health Services in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Health Department, and the City of Manhattan Beach are advising residents of Manhattan Beach to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes as a safety precaution.

At approximately 4:00 AM this morning there was a failure at an Edison substation resulting in power a power outage at our pumping facilities. Although emergency generators and pumps came on line, a valving failure resulted in a loss of pressure in the city’s water system. In addition, an extreme power surge disabled communications of the City’s water supply monitoring system. Due to the communication outage the City is not able to determine if there was a complete loss of water pressure or just reduced pressure throughout the city. Therefore, we are advising all residents and businesses to take precautions.

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one (1) minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

· An alternative method of purification for residents that do not have gas or electricity available is to use fresh liquid household bleach (Cloroxâ, Purexâ, etc.). To do so, add 8 drops (or 1/4 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of clear water or 16 drops (or 1/2 teaspoon) per gallon of cloudy water, mix thoroughly, and allow to stand for 30 minutes before using. A chlorine-like taste and odor will result from this purification procedure and is an indication that adequate disinfection has taken place.

· Water purification tablets may also be used by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

We will inform you when tests show no bacteria and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem within 48 hours.

California Department of Health Services – Drinking Water Field Operations Branch- District Office (Mon-Fri 8 am to 5 pm) at (213) 580-5723.

Local Environmental Health Jurisdiction: [Los Angeles County at (213) 974-1234].

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

There is no reason to think this is anything more, than an accident.

What it demonstrates, however, is how just one pump going out in a city, can impact drinking water.

Sorry, earlier I read that one pump went out due to power outage. Now they only mention the power outage.

What did Bush know and when did he know it?!

A chlorine-like taste and odor will result from this purification procedure and is an indication that adequate disinfection has taken place.

Yep, it's also why people regularly used to keep a couple dozen packets of orange/grape drink mix handy... it masks the taste/odor. Or just go the rum route.

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