Pasadena Water and Power has issued a “Do Not Drink” notice to its residents for the first time in over a century because of water contamination from recent wildfire debris. The devastating Eaton Fire has forced at least two water departments to tell Los Angeles County residents not to use tap water. Residents can’t drink, cook, or brush their teeth with it.
Pacific Palisades and nearby communities face a serious situation as the Los Angeles water quality has decreased by a lot. Wildfires that reach cities introduce harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the municipal water system. Western Rooter & Plumbing understands your worries about California’s contaminated water. We are offering a 5% discount on water filter replacement and maintenance services to help affected homes and businesses protect their water supply during this crisis.
Current Water Crisis in LA County
Several water districts in Los Angeles County have declared their drinking water unsafe after recent wildfires. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s water systems ran at extreme levels for up to 15 hours straight. Water pressure dropped significantly in Pacific Palisades when the system faced four times its usual demand.
Areas Affected by Contamination
Pasadena Water and Power, Lincoln Avenue Water Company, and Rubio Cañon Land and Water Association have issued strict warnings against tap water usage. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has also extended ocean water advisories from Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way.
The below ZIP codes in particular should practice extreme caution:
- 90272: Pacific Palisades
- 91101, 91103, 91104, 91105, 91106, 91107, 91108, 91109, 91182, 91188, 91189: Pasadena
- 91001: Altadena
- 90265: Malibu
- 91107: Kinneloa Mesa
- 91011: La Cañada Flintridge
Types of Contaminants Present
Wildfire debris has introduced these hazardous substances into the water supply:
- Benzene and vinyl chloride (known carcinogens)
- Heavy metals and arsenic from burned structures
- Asbestos from destroyed buildings
- Volatile organic compounds from melted infrastructure
The contamination happens through two main paths: direct damage to water sources and compromised delivery systems. Soot and air pollution from burned trees and buildings get pulled back into the water system through open fire hydrants and damaged pipes.
Health Risks and Concerns
Health implications range from immediate to long-term effects. Short-term exposure can cause nausea, breathing problems, or eye irritation. Studies show that some areas’ benzene levels could cause acute blood disorders in children. California’s safe drinking water standard allows just one part per billion of benzene.
Western Rooter & Plumbing understands your concerns about California’s contaminated water. Our certified technicians are skilled at installing and maintaining whole house water filters that protect your family from these contaminants. We’re offering a 5% discount on water filter replacement and maintenance services to homes and businesses affected by the recent wildfires, especially the Eaton fire.
Understanding Water Contamination
Wildfires dramatically change watersheds and continue to harm water quality even after the flames die down. The loss of forest canopy and changed soil properties cause increased water flow during storms. This triggers severe erosion and flooding. These changes harm 65% of fresh water supply that comes from forested watersheds.
How Wildfires Affect Water Quality
When wildfires destroy organic matter in soil, nature’s water filtration system stops working. The fire burns away the organic “glue” – fungi and tree root elements that hold soil together. This damage reduces water absorption and increases erosion. As a result, contaminants flow freely into water sources.
Common Contaminants from Fire Debris
Fire debris contaminates water with several hazardous substances:
- Dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen compounds
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including benzene, reaching levels of 2,217 μg/L
- Heavy metals and toxic compounds from burned infrastructure
- PFAS chemicals from firefighting materials
Impact on Municipal Water Systems
Municipal water infrastructure faces major challenges after wildfires. Water treatment facilities don’t deal very well with increased turbidity levels and changed pH balance. On top of that, plastic pipes in distribution systems can break down at temperatures of 300°C. This releases benzene and toluene into water supplies.
At Western Rooter & Plumbing, we know these complex challenges that affect California’s contaminated water. Our whole house water filter systems target these specific contaminants. We’re offering specialized filter maintenance services with a 5% discount to homes affected by the recent Eaton fire to keep your water safe.
Immediate Solutions for Residents
Your household needs protection from contaminated water through proven filtration solutions right away. Whole house water filtration systems provide detailed protection against wildfire-related contaminants through multi-stage filtration processes.
Whole House Water Filter Options
Today’s whole house filtration systems use advanced technologies to curb wildfire-related contaminants. These systems work through a four-stage filtration process. The process starts with KDF media to remove chemicals, moves to catalytic carbon for organic contaminants, and ends with a 5-micron sediment filter. Western Rooter & Plumbing recommends systems that can handle 1,000,000 gallons. These systems remove chlorine, PFAS, herbicides, and other harmful substances effectively.
Emergency Water Treatment Methods
Alternative treatment methods are vital until you install a permanent filtration solution. Boiling water for at least one minute gives you temporary protection. Notwithstanding that, standard home filters are nowhere near enough to handle wildfire-generated bacteria. You should use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and dental hygiene.
Professional Water Testing Services
Water testing becomes vital after wildfire exposure. Licensed contractors need to analyze samples for:
- Coliform bacteria and E. coli presence
- Chemical contamination levels
- Heavy metals concentration
- Asbestos contamination from burned structures
Western Rooter & Plumbing provides detailed water quality assessments for LA County residents. Our certified technicians give you a full picture of contamination levels, with faster testing available when urgent. Homes affected by the recent Eaton fire get a 5% discount on all water filter maintenance and testing services to keep their water safe.
Safe Water Practices During Crisis
Safe water practices play a vital role as Los Angeles County deals with its contamination issues. Bottled water provides a quick fix, and knowing the right water usage guidelines will help protect your family’s health.
Do’s and Don’ts of Water Usage
You need to handle water carefully during contamination events. Do not use tap water to drink, cook, make ice, or brush teeth. Stay away from household filters like Brita or Pur because these devices can’t handle high contamination levels.
To use water safely:
- Let cold water taps run 5-10 minutes if unused for long periods
- Pick bottled water for food prep and drinking
- Store water in cool, dark spots
- Look up water utility updates daily
Alternative Water Sources
Bottled water is your best safe option during this crisis. You can also use harvested rainwater and treated well water properly. Make sure to disinfect water storage tanks before use. Western Rooter & Plumbing suggests keeping a 24-hour emergency water supply ready for each person in your home.
When to Replace Water Filters
You must replace standard household filters right away after they touch contaminated water. Activated carbon filters can remove many volatile organic compounds, but professionals need to install them at the point-of-entry. Our team at Western Rooter & Plumbing offers special filter replacement services with a 5% discount for homes affected by the Eaton fire.
Professional water testing is needed before you start using water normally. Tests after previous California wildfires showed some systems needed over 280 days of flushing to become safe again. Get in touch with our certified technicians to get a full water quality assessment and filter maintenance services in LA County and San Gabriel Valley.
Conclusion
LA County residents face serious risks from wildfire-related water contamination. Water quality tests show dangerous levels of benzene, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds in affected areas. Your household needs immediate protection through proven filtration methods.
Your family’s safety depends on proper water treatment during this crisis. Certified whole house water filtration systems remove harmful contaminants and provide lasting protection for your home. Western Rooter & Plumbing’s technicians understand these challenges and provide specialized solutions for wildfire-affected water systems.
Safe water practices are vital until proper filtration systems are installed. Professional water testing, filter maintenance, and safety guidelines help protect your household from contamination risks. You can start protecting your water supply by choosing experienced professionals who know local water challenges.
Your home needs expert guidance and proven solutions to stay protected from contaminated water. Western Rooter & Plumbing offers a 5% discount on water filter replacement and maintenance services for homes affected by the recent Eaton fire. Call us at (626) 448-6455. Our certified technicians are ready to safeguard your water supply with complete filtration solutions designed for LA County’s specific needs.
FAQs
Is tap water in Los Angeles County currently safe to drink?
Due to recent wildfires, some areas in Los Angeles County have been advised not to use tap water for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth. Residents should check with their local water department for the most up-to-date information on water safety in their area.
How do wildfires impact water quality?
Wildfires can severely affect water quality by introducing contaminants such as dissolved organic compounds, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals into water sources. They also damage watersheds, leading to increased erosion and flooding, which further compromises water quality.
What are the main contaminants found in water after wildfires?
Common contaminants in post-wildfire water include benzene, vinyl chloride, heavy metals, arsenic, asbestos, and various volatile organic compounds. These substances can come from burned structures, melted infrastructure, and firefighting materials.
What immediate steps can residents take to ensure safe drinking water?
Residents should rely on bottled water for drinking, cooking, and dental hygiene. Boiling water for at least one minute can provide temporary protection. However, it’s crucial to avoid using standard home filters, as they are inadequate against wildfire-generated contaminants.
How long does it take for water systems to become safe after wildfire contamination?
The time it takes for water systems to become safe can vary significantly. In some cases, systems have required over 280 days of flushing before becoming safe for use. Professional water testing is essential before resuming normal water use, and residents should follow guidance from local water authorities.
References
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[2] – https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/drinking-water-contaminated-l-county-areas-affected-wildfires-experts-rcna187485
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[11] – https://cen.acs.org/environment/water/wildfires-contaminate-drinking-water/100/i20
[12] – https://www.nrdc.org/stories/wildfires-can-spark-widespread-contamination-public-water-supplies
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[14] – https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/natural-resources/addressing-the-impacts-of-wildfire-on-water-resources-6-706/
[15] – https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/what-is-water-boil-notice-water-advisories-do-not-drink
[16] – https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/water-alerts-southern-california-fires-unsafe-water-quality/
[17] – https://enthalpy.com/blog/how-to-conduct-successful-laboratory-testing-for-wildfire-response-and-recovery/
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