Water Quality Update: 'Do Not Drink' Order Continues, Portable Showers Available

ALAMEDA, CA — The City of Alameda released fresh information Wednesday afternoon about the "No Drink" order issued for Alameda Point. Additional testing is being done today. While the water ban is in effect, free bottled water is being provided to the residents and businesses impacted by the contamination.

From the City of Alameda:

Who is affected by this alert?
The water quality issues are isolated to Alameda Point due to the nature of the former Navy infrastructure. 268 residents and over 60 businesses are affected and each has been notified. This only affects areas west of Main Street. Any address other than those contained within Alameda Point are not affected by this advisory. Specifically, areas that are not affected include Coast Guard Housing, Bayport, Summer House Apartments, and Atlantic Apartments. The map outlines the Alameda Point area in red.

What happened?
While field investigations are ongoing, it is likely that the source of the water quality issue is related to a cross-connection between a potable drinking water line and a non-potable irrigation line. Tests were taken at specific locations last night and we hope to have preliminary results of those tests by tomorrow morning. Additional testing is being done today that will confirm any initial results. The results of this additional testing may be available by the end of the week.

Portable Showers:

The City of Alameda has made 10 portable showers available for affected residents. Two of these showers are ADA compliant. Showers are located at the Alameda Fire Department Training Facility at 431 Stardust Place in the parking lot.

Donations by community:

For those wishing to contribute to affected residents, they are in need of baby wipes, disposable diapers, and hand sanitizer. These items can be dropped off at the Alameda Point Collaborative, 677 W. Ranger Avenue, and will be distributed by volunteers. The Red Cross is providing bottled water and paper goods.

Additional information:
Please call our water alert hotline at (510) 747-7460.

While water quality is improving at Alameda Point, in an abundance of caution people should not drink the water, avoid bodily contact, and avoid allowing their pets to drink or bathe using water from the faucet. Free bottled water is available for pick-up at the Alameda Point Collaborative, 677 W. Ranger Avenue, for affected residents and businesses.

This drinking water alert will not be lifted until the Regional Water Quality Control Board deems the water safe for drinking and bodily contact. If people have health concerns, they should talk to their doctor.

-Image via City of Alameda

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