Department of Water Resources
A daily compilation of significant news articles and comment
January 3, 2008
4. Water Quality
Water tainted; Yolo turns to bottles, boiling
By Lakiesha McGhee, staff writer
Residents in the small farming town of
The Yolo County Health Department continued to test Wednesday for traces of coliform bacteria, which can cause stomach or intestinal illness.
The contamination, described as "minor," was first detected in Yolo taps about three weeks ago, officials said. But some 400 residents of the town northwest of
"We went back to confirm the tests last week," said J. Bruce Sarazin, director of environmental health for
The source of the contamination is unknown, but officials suspect a broken water pipe or sprinkler.
Sarazin said he expects to know by Friday whether the water will be safe again for drinking.
"Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking and food preparation until further notice," the Dec. 27 order states.
In the meantime, Yolo town residents are taking precautions. Madhu Patel, owner of the only general store in Yolo, said she bought five cases of one-gallon water bottles this week, which is a few more cases than usual.
"People are coming here and buying the small bottles of water and the big bottles of water," Patel said, explaining that the next nearest store is about six miles outside of town.
During the 13 years Patel has operated Yolo Market, she said she doesn't recall a contaminated water warning.
The town appeared quiet Wednesday.
People strolled in and out of the local post office, one of the few buildings, in addition to a library and a high school, which were closed.
Cows and sheep were grazing on vast acres of farmland or in small yards behind picket fences.
While some people were indifferent, saying they always drink bottled water, others were angry about the way officials handled the problem.
"I'm kind of ticked off about it, because I have to sanitize everything," said Patsy Lopez.
The woman said she was mysteriously sick to her stomach for two days before receiving the county's warning about the tap water.
Lopez said her doctor later told her she was probably ill from bad water.
"There are a lot of poor people in this community who can't afford bottled water," Lopez said, adding that Yolo's population consists mostly of migrant workers.
She advocated providing free bottled water to Yolo residents.
Sarazin said there has been no increase in reported illnesses in Yolo in connection with tainted tap water. #
http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/606201.html
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