Lake Tahoe Issues Water Advisory Over Possible Fecal Contamination
Earlier this week, residents of Incline Village, a wealthy community on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, were advised to boil their water due to possible fecal contamination. Village officials sent letters on Monday warning of a "high potential" that the drinking water supply had been compromised.
"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."
The notice explained that such a failure increases the likelihood that fecal matter or other harmful pathogens could enter the water system. The alert followed a water leak last month that raised concerns about untreated, contaminated water infiltrating the supply.
Response and Health Risks
- Emergency repairs were initiated immediately.
- Some homes experienced intermittent water shutoffs during the repairs.
- Untreated water is considered a health hazard due to potential bacterial contamination.
Feces in drinking water can carry bacteria like E. coli, which often causes symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping. In severe cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, leading to sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
"Such a system failure carries with it a high potential that fecal contamination or other disease-causing organisms could enter the distribution system."
The advisory highlights the importance of safeguarding public water systems against breaches that risk community health.
Summary: Incline Village experienced a water system failure prompting a boil water advisory due to possible fecal contamination, with officials taking urgent repair actions to protect residents from bacterial infections.