By Ricardo Roura
Jun 25, 2024, 1:32 PM EDT
The city of Santa Paula, in Ventura County, asked its residents not to drink tap water due to the risk of contamination after the theft that occurred Monday afternoon at the main storage reservoir.
In a statement on its website, the city said it suspected an unknown substance had been added to the drinking water supplied by the city.
Officials said that The main reservoir was immediately disconnected to prevent the spread of any contamination and mentioned that the facility would be disinfected before it is returned to service.
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The NO DRINK advisory was issued after Santa Paula police responded to a report of trespassing.
“A thorough investigation revealed that clothing and personal items were left in the area near the reservoir. An inspection at the reservoir did not reveal visible contaminants within it“the city said in its statement.
Santa Paula officials said the advisory was issued “out of an abundance of caution, to ensure the security of our water storage supply to our residents“.
Keep reading: The contaminated tap water crisis affects Hispanic and African American communities the most
The advertisement affects approximately 50% of Santa Paula residents and businesseswhile the city awaits the results of the laboratory tests.
To know what are the areas of the city of Santa Paula affected Due to possible water contamination, you can consult this link.
Residents asked not to drink tap water and consume only bottled water, as well as not treating the water themselves.
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Tap water was considered safe for bathingbut should be avoided for brushing teeth, washing dishes and preparing food.
The Santa Paula authorities established a distribution center in the Water Treatment Plant, at 532 Main Streetto provide drinking water.
With their own containers, Santa Paula residents You can go to collect water from this Tuesday, June 25, from 6:00 am to 7:00 pmand the service will be available until laboratory test results confirm that the city’s water supply is safe.
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