Boil-water advisory issued for Poway tap water

Lake Poway has provided the water supply for Poway residents, as well as offered recreational opportunities for the entire region, since 1972. 

(Andrew Kleske/The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Residents reported on Friday that their water was brown; city officials say boil tap water before consuming it, until further notice

By PAULINE REPARD

NOV. 30, 2019

 

6:58 PM

POWAY — 

 

A brownish tint in Poway city water has prompted officials to advise that all tap water in the city be boiled before using it.

Residents reported the discoloration on Friday, and an advisory was posted on the city’s website on Saturday. Residents also received phone calls and text messages warning about water usage.

Staff tested the water at the homes of those who reported the brown tap water, as well as in the city’s water distribution system. The chlorine residual levels were “well within standards,” the website notice said.

The source of the discoloration wasn’t immediately known, but officials said the recent rainstorm may have compromised the city water system.

“We are taking all of the necessary steps to address this situation,” City Manager Chris Hazeltine said in the website advisory. “Restoring normal water service is our top priority.”

The initial calls received were within an area that spans from the Green Valley neighborhood to Garden Road.

In a notice posted Friday, city officials said crews would be flushing lines and removing water from the top of the clear well that serves the area.

Because the discoloration appears to be citywide, officials notified the State Water Resources Control Board, the advisory said.

After the consultation, officials decided to issue the precautionary advisory, urging everyone in the city to either use bottled water or boil tap water for one minute before using it. Sterilized water should be used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice and washing dishes.

Boiling water for one minute kills bacteria and other organisms.

Bottled water will be available to residents at Lake Poway on Sunday after 7 a.m.

No other cities or surrounding communities appear to have been affected.

The city provides water service to about 50,000 residents, and this is the first time in the city’s history that a boil water order has been issued, officials said.