Residents in wildfire-affected areas of L.A. County are advised to avoid tap water due to contamination risks
At least two water departments have told people not to drink the tap water. They’re worried about chemicals and pathogens getting into the system. Testing will take time, especially since the fires are still burning.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has advised folks in Pacific Palisades and nearby areas to use bottled water for everything, including cooking and brushing teeth. They’re concerned that harmful substances like benzene might have seeped into the water supply.
Pasadena Water and Power also told many residents to switch to bottled water. The Eaton Fire has damaged reservoirs and pump stations, which could affect water quality.
Jackson Webster, a civil engineering professor, mentioned that there’s likely some contamination in these damaged systems, but the extent is still unknown. He pointed out that it’s common to see water contamination after wildfires, referencing past incidents in Hawaii and California.
One sign of contamination is a drop in water pressure. When firefighters use a lot of water, it can create a vacuum effect, pulling in contaminants. The water department noted that pressure dropped significantly in Pacific Palisades due to high demand.
The Pasadena water department has started testing key areas to see when the water will be safe again. While the red fire retardant used in firefighting isn’t a major concern, the ash from burned materials is. The fires have destroyed over 12,300 structures, releasing harmful chemicals into the water system.
These chemicals can cause nausea, breathing issues, and long-term health problems. Benzene and vinyl chloride are particularly dangerous, as they are known carcinogens. Boiling water won’t eliminate these risks, which is why the “boil water” advisory was lifted.
Experts usually test for the most hazardous chemicals first, like benzene, to determine overall safety. The testing process can take weeks or even months, depending on contamination levels. In Paradise, California, high benzene levels were found nearly a year after the Camp Fire.
If contamination is low, flushing pipes might help. But if it’s high, replacing pipes could be necessary. It’s also possible that neighborhoods without burned homes could still have contaminated water, as firefighters might have drawn in tainted water during their efforts.
