Lake Tahoe Issues Water Advisory Due to Potential Fecal Contamination
Residents of Incline Village, a lakeside community on Nevada's side of Lake Tahoe, were advised this week to boil their water amid concerns about possible fecal contamination. The village, known for its affluent population, received official letters on Monday warning of a high risk to their drinking water safety.
Cause of the Advisory
The notice explained that a recent loss of pressure in the water distribution system might have allowed contaminated water to enter through cracks or breaks:
"Incline Village water system experienced an event that resulted in loss of pressure in the distribution system, which may cause backpressure... or movement of water from outside the pipe to the inside through cracks, breaks or joints in the distribution system. Such a system failure carries with it a high potential that fecal contamination or other disease-causing organisms could enter the distribution system."
This event originated from a water leak last month, prompting fears that untreated, feces-contaminated water infiltrated the supply. Emergency repairs began immediately, with some residents experiencing temporary water shutoffs.
Health Risks
Contamination of water with feces is hazardous due to bacteria like Escherichia coli (E.coli), which can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
In extreme cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
Emergency Measures and Impact
Officials urged residents to boil their water to mitigate infection risks while repair works were underway. Some homes experienced intermittent water supply interruptions during this period.