Boil Water Notice Issued To Thousands In Long Beach
According to KTLA 5, the Long Beach Utilities Department issued a Boil Water Notice that affects many customers across the following three zip codes:
- 90807
- 90805 (east of 710-Fwy)
- 90806 (between Orange Avenue and Cherry Avenue, north of Spring Street, and only if serviced by the Long Beach Utilities Department)
If you live in any affected zip code areas listed above, please boil your water before consumption. Failing to do so could lead to stomach problems and intestinal illnesses.
“Long Beach Utilities Department made this decision out of an abundance of caution after experiencing low water pressures during a significant water main break at 3502 Orange Avenue earlier today (Wednesday, October 9).” – City of Longbeach
What Is A Boil Water Notice?
A boil water notice is just what it sounds like a notice to boil tap water before drinking and cooking with it. You can also use bottled water. Further information provided by the Long Beach Utilities Department includes:
- Boiling water kills bacteria and other harmful organisms that may be currently present in the water supply throughout the above-mentioned zip codes
- Boil all water for one minute at a rolling boil
- Let water cool before drinking to avoid burns and scalding
- Use boiled water or bottled water for all water consumption, including when you brush your teeth, prepare food, drink water, or make drinks that include ice
Can You Purify Your Water In A Different Way?
Boiling is the gold standard for making Long Beach tap water safe to drink during the Boil Water Notice. However, you can also purify water using bleach in emergencies (we recommend against using bleach to treat water). To do so, follow the instructions below (provided by Long Beach Utilities):
- Use eight drops (1/8 tsp.) of bleach for every gallon of water you want to purify. If that water is cloudy, filter it through a clean cloth and use 16 drops (or 1/4 tsp.) of bleach per every gallon of water.
- Mix the water well, and allow the bleached water to stand for at least 30 minutes (1/2 hour).
- Your water may taste or smell like chlorine. This is a good thing. It means you have disinfected your water.
When Will It Be Safe To Drink Again?
The Long Beach Utilities Department and the Division of Drinking Water (DDW) are monitoring water throughout the affected areas. Residents will be informed when water is safe to drink again. If you’d like more information on the Boil Water Notice, feel free to contact Long Beach Utilities at 562-570-2390.
Contact Dial One Sonshine!
If you’re worried about your drinking water and want to avoid future boil water notices in your area, contact the water quality experts at Dial One Sonshine for a free water quality assessment. Our water filtration professionals will come to your home or business, test your tap water, and provide the information you need to decide your home water quality. Contact us online or call our water quality experts at (714) 613-1016 to schedule your free water quality assessment today!