Do Not Drink Notice Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
AS OF JANUARY 17, 2025
Q1 – Which areas are covered by the ‘Do Not Drink’ Notice?
The area of concern for the ‘Do Not Drink’ advisory is limited to the customers in the 90272-zip code and LADWP customers living in portions of the 90402-zip code north of San Vicente Blvd, which is the portion of 90402 in the LADWP service area.
Q2 – Why was a Do Not Drink Notice issued for my water?
A Do Not Drink Notice was issued because structures in Pacific Palisades were destroyed by fire, and some areas in the water distribution system lost pressure. These conditions may have caused harmful contaminants, including benzene and other volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), to enter the water system. As a precaution, the State Water Resources Control Board, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power are advising consumers in the affected area to NOT USE THE TAP WATER FOR DRINKING AND COOKING UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Q3 – Is LADWP making bottled water available to affected customers?
LADWP will be distributing bottled water to affected customers. LADWP staff will be present to pass out one (1) case of 24 bottles per household. For more information, contact 1-800-DIAL- DWP. For the most recent information on the Bottled Water Distribution for LADWP customers, please visit ladwpnews.com/bottled-water-info/.
Q4 – How long will the Do Not Drink notice be in effect?
LADWP will inform you when adequate water pressure can be re-established, tests show that water is safe to drink and state regulators approve lifting the notice. Expected timeframe for resolution is unknown and dependent on evolving fire, wind, and related conditions.
Q5 – Why was the Boil Water Notice changed to a Do Not Drink notice?
A Do Not Drink Notice is issued when a water system experiences wildfire impacts and may have fire related contamination. As a precautionary measure, this Notice is being issued until test data is available. Because of the low pressure caused by the fire, our water may be contaminated with chemicals that cannot be removed by end users. When pressure drops very low, the system can suck in contaminants from burned structures and equipment and spread them through the system. Among such contaminants are benzene and other VOCs that cannot be removed by disinfectants such as bleach or by common household filter systems. Boiling contaminated water would vaporize those chemicals into the air you breathe.
Q6 – Will the Do Not Drink Notice be downgraded to a Boil Water notice?
The Do Not Drink notice will not be downgraded to a Boil Water notice. The Do Not Drink notice will remain in effect until the water is confirmed to be safe for consumption and LADWP issues a cancellation notice.
Q7 – Can I treat the water myself?
No. Boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants, or letting water stand will not make the water safe.
Q8 – Can I use tap water for drinking and cooking?
No. Use only bottled water or an alternate source of water.
Q9 – Is it safe to use bottled water?
It is safe to use bottled water. Bottled water should be used for all drinking (including baby formula and juice), brushing teeth, and making ice and food preparation.
Q10 – What container should I use to obtain water from another location?
The container you use to get water from an alternate source or temporary water station can greatly affect your water. Never use a container that has ever held a chemical, gasoline or other fuel. Use only clean containers that you know are fit and that are free of all dirt and contaminants.
Q11 – Can I use my water for cooking?
No, any water used for food preparation or cooking needs to come from bottled water or an alternate source.
Q12 – Can I use ice?
Yes, if made with bottled water. Do not use ice from automatic ice makers.
Q13 – Can I use my hot tub or swimming pool?
No. We do not advise using hot tubs or swimming pools.
Q14 – Is potentially contaminated water safe for washing dishes?
Use a dishwasher to wash dishes and use air dry setting.
Q15 – Is potentially contaminated water safe for washing clothes?
It is safe to wash clothes in cold tap water. Avoid using clothes dryers and hang dry if safe to do so.
Q16 – Is potentially contaminated water safe for bathing and showering?
Yes, you can use warm water for bathing or showering. Hot water can volatize these compounds and create a pathway for exposure. Avoid hot showers, baths and steam. Your water may be used by healthy individuals for showering, bathing, shaving, and washing as long as care is taken not to swallow water and avoid shaving nicks.
Children and disabled individuals should be supervised to ensure water is not ingested. Sponge bathing is advisable, and bathing time should be minimized to further reduce the potential for ingestion.
Q17 – How should I wash my hands?
Generally, vigorous hand washing with soap and your tap water is safe for basic personal hygiene. If you are washing your hands to prepare food, you should use bottled water or water from another acceptable source for hand washing.
Q18 – Is the water safe to give to my pet?
No, use bottled water for pets and domestic animals.
Q19 – Does this Notice affect how I can use my toilets?
There is no restriction or concern about using your toilet. However, please try to conserve water if possible to aid in the firefighting efforts.
Q20 – What if I have already consumed potentially contaminated water?
The likelihood of becoming ill is low. However, illness is possible, especially for people that have a chronic illness or may be immunocompromised. This is why do not drink notices are issued.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, with or without fever, should seek medical attention. These symptoms are not unique to exposure to potential contaminants/organisms in the water, and a doctor’s involvement is key to identifying the cause of your illness. If your doctor suspects a waterborne illness, you may be asked to provide blood and/or stool samples.
Q21 – How do we know the water in other parts of the City are not potentially contaminated?
The area of concern for the ‘Do Not Drink’ advisory is limited to the customers in the 90272-zip code and LADWP customers living in portions of the 90402-zip code north of San Vicente Blvd, which is the portion of 90402 in the LADWP service area. This notice was issued out of an abundance of caution due to the operating conditions (water pressure), location of fire, and distribution system hydraulics. The water in the ‘Do Not Drink’ area does not flow beyond the boundary areas and therefore has no influence on the water quality in other parts of the City.
Q22 – What should customers do when the Do Not Drink notice is lifted?
- Flush household pipes/faucets first: To flush your plumbing, run all your cold water faucets on full for at least 5 minutes each. If your service connection is long or complex (like in an apartment building) consider flushing for a longer period. Your building superintendent or landlord should be able to advise you on longer flushing times.
- Automatic ice makers: Dump existing ice and flush the water feed lines by making and discarding three batches of ice Wipe down the ice bin with a disinfectant. If your water feed line to the machine is longer than 20 feet, increase to five batches.
- Hot water heaters, water coolers, in line filters, and other appliances with direct water connections or water tanks: Run enough water to completely replace at least one full volume of all lines and tanks. If your filters are near the end of their life, replace them.
- Water softeners: Run through a regeneration cycle.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) units: Replace pre-filters, check owner’s manual.
- Replace other water filters, as they are disposable and may be contaminated. This applies especially to carbon filters and others that are near the end of their life.
Aviso de No Beber Agua Preguntas Frecuentes
References:
New York State Department of Health: Boil Water Notices -Frequently Asked Questions for Residents and Homeowners (state.ny.us)
Crestview Watch
*Don’t drink, cook, or wash with Crestview water until testing proves it is – CRESTVIEW WATCH
*2.-Wildfire-Response-Benzene-Order-signed.pdf (crestviewwatch.org) Do Not Drink Notice (pcdn.co)
Pasadena Unsafe Water Alert: Do Not Drink Notice (cityofpasadena.net)
