Boil Your Water Before Drinking or Food Preparation to Avoid Illness
September 16, 2024
Do not drink the water without boiling it first
- Boil all water for one (1) minute (rolling boil).
- Let water cool before drinking.
Use boiled or bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice.
Boiling water kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
If you are unable to boil your water:
Household unscented liquid bleach
- For clear water, use 8 drops (1/8 tsp.) of bleach for 1 gallon of water. For cloudy water, filter through a clean cloth and use 16 drops (1/4 tsp.) of bleach for 1 gallon of water.
- Mix well. Allow to stand for 30 minutes before using.
- Water may taste or smell like chlorine. This means disinfection has occurred.
Water disinfection tablets
Bacteriological samples recently collected from
our domestic water system show the presence of
E. Coli bacteria. The State Water Resources • Control Board, Division of Drinking Water in conjunction with the Sierra County Public Works Department are advising residents of Sierra • Brooks to only use boiled tap water or bottled
water for drinking and cooking purposes as a
safety precaution to avoid stomach or intestinal
illness. The affected area includes all properties in Sierra Brooks served by the Sierra CSA #5 Water System.
We are in the process of disinfecting the water system with sodium hypochlorite and investigating the cause of the contamination. We will inform you when tests show that water is safe to drink, and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem within one week.
For More Information
If you are concerned about your health or the health of a family member, contact your health care provider.
Water Utility contact: Bryan Davey, Sierra County Public Works, 530-289-3201. State Water Resources Control Board District Office: Terri Parham, 530-224-2052
Please share or post this information with others 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.
