California's Central Coast Residents Under Boil Water Advisory Due to Bacteria

Nearly 50,000 residents in California’s Central Coast, including Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Oceano, Pismo Beach, and Avila Beach, are under a boil water advisory after routine water samples tested positive for coliform bacteria, signaling a potential risk for harmful pathogens. The State Water Resources Control Board and local agencies have instructed residents to boil tap water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth, and suggest using bottled water as an alternative. Those unable to boil water are advised to disinfect it using unscented liquid bleach according to specific guidelines. The advisory, which began on May 1, is expected to last until at least May 4 as officials investigate the source of contamination and report a downward trend in bacteria levels. This marks the first time the Lopez distribution system has faced such a crisis, and residents will be notified when the water is deemed safe again. The incident highlights the vulnerability of municipal water systems and the importance of routine monitoring.