LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County Health Services has issued a boil water advisory for residents drawing water directly from the southern half of Clear Lake using private intakes.
This precautionary measure comes in response to a sewage overflow incident on Burns Valley Road in Clearlake.
Residents and businesses relying on private intakes in the specified area are strongly urged to boil their drinking water until further notice.
The advisory is enacted to ensure public safety in light of the sewage overflow incident.
Advisory details
• Boil water for a minimum of one minute after bubbles quickly rise from the bottom of the pot to the top.
• Allow the boiled water to cool before storing it in clean, sanitized containers.
• Use boiled or bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, preparing food and baby formula, making ice and giving to pets.
This advisory remains in effect until Lake County Health Services, in collaboration with assisting agencies, determines that there is no longer a public health concern.
Ongoing assessments will be conducted, and residents will be promptly notified when the advisory is lifted.
Water recreation warning
Pending test results may indicate the presence of raw sewage in the water around the City of Clearlake.
Residents are strongly advised against recreational activities in the affected areas until further notice.
Lake County Health Services, in coordination with local agencies, is actively working to contain and address the incident using containment experts and large sewer pump trucks.
Community health information
No illnesses related to the community’s drinking water have been reported at this time. Residents with health concerns are urged to contact their healthcare provider or reach out to the County of Lake Health Services Public Health Division at 707-263-1090 or the Environmental Health Division at 707-263-1164.
Microbial risks
Fecal coliforms and E. coli, bacteria indicating potential contamination with human or animal wastes, may pose health risks.
Short-term effects such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms could result. Infants, young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
Residents at increased risk are advised to consult their healthcare provider regarding drinking water safety. General guidelines on minimizing the risk of microbial infection are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
Road closure information
The sewage main has ruptured, causing a release and lifting part of Rumsey Road at the Bowers Avenue intersection.
Rumsey Road is closed at the Bowers Avenue intersection, and the timeline for reopening is unknown. An investigation is currently underway to assess and address the situation.
Residents drawing water directly from Clear Lake through private intakes, especially those who may not have received this notice directly, are encouraged to share this information with others.
For more information, please contact the County of Lake Health Services Department at 707-263-1090 or 707-263-1164.
Boil water advisory issued for southern half of Clear Lake following sewage overflow incident
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On