SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - About 100 households in San Luis Obispo were issued a boil water notice by the city's utilities department late Tuesday morning after a water main broke, potentially compromising the cleanliness of tap water in the area.
The notice was issued around 11 a.m. as a safety precaution only for water used for drinking and cooking purposes.
The affected area includes neighborhoods bordered by Broad Street, Tank Farm Road, Johnson Avenue and Bishop Street.
Updates to the map can be found on the city's website here.
Officials said the water main broke in the early hours of Tuesday morning and caused the water system pressure in the area to dip briefly below normal operating pressures, which keep outside water and potential contaminants from flowing back into the pipelines.
Boiling water is essential for those in the area while the department awaits results that show if the water is safe to drink or has been contaminated.
The city said this issue should be fully resolved by Thursday morning. Residents will be notified when tests show that the water is safe to drink and there is no longer a need to boil water.
“We repaired the main line and restored water and fire service to the area, but we also want to be absolutely certain that the water is safe to drink. As a safety precaution we are asking affected residents to only use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes to avoid any potential illnesses until we get the water test results back,” said Aaron Floyd, City of San Luis Obispo Utilities Director.
The city said field samples and preliminary lab results show that there is chlorine present in the pipelines, indicating that disinfection requirements have been met. However, the city must confirm through lab results and tests taken over two consecutive days that the water is safe to drink before lifting the water notice.
Impacted residents may receive free bottled water at the Sinsheimer Pool parking lot on 900 Southwood Dr. while the boil water notice is in effect.
Questions can be directed to the City of San Luis Obispo Utilities Department at 805-781-7215.
