As wildfires rage, cities like Pasadena face unsafe drinking water warnings
The hotter, drier climate is making wildfires worse, and they’re creeping closer to urban areas. When fires hit, toxic chemicals can seep into the water supply, and just boiling or filtering the water won’t cut it, experts warn.
Recently, Pasadena Water and Power issued a “Do Not Drink” notice for about a third of its customers. This was a first in over a hundred years! They had to act fast after fires damaged pumps and storage tanks, raising concerns about toxic chemicals in the water.
Stacie Takeguchi, the utility’s chief assistant general manager, said they had to assume the worst for safety. Luckily, they lifted the notice for most customers after some testing.
When fires burn in cities, they can wreck infrastructure. Ash, smoke, and other debris can get sucked into the water pipes, making it unsafe. Andrew Whelton, a professor at Purdue University, explains that the chemicals released from burning buildings can be really harmful, even in small amounts.
Water systems are designed to keep bad stuff out, but fires can mess that up. If the pressure drops, toxins can sneak in. Firefighters use tons of water, and if the power goes out, that can lead to pressure loss too.
In some areas, hydrants ran dry while homes burned, raising questions about water availability for firefighting. California’s governor is looking into it.
The health risks from toxic chemicals in drinking water can range from nausea to serious conditions like cancer. In past fires, like the one in Paradise, California, benzene levels were dangerously high. Even tiny amounts of some chemicals can be risky.
California regulators say just one part per billion of benzene is safe, but that’s for long-term exposure. Experts are worried about cumulative exposure over a lifetime, especially if there’s a spike from a fire.
Los Angeles County has over 200 water providers, but only a few have issued “Do Not Drink” notices. Utilities are focused on firefighting water supply, but some are starting to test for contaminants. It can take a long time to declare water safe after a fire.
In Paradise, the city is still working to replace contaminated water lines years later. Whelton advises against paying for home water tests until the utility says the public water is safe.
People should stick to the guidance from their utility or local health department until they get the all-clear on water safety.
