Lake Tahoe Issues Water Advisory Over Fecal Contamination Risk
Earlier this week, residents of Incline Village, a wealthy community on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, were advised to boil their water amid concerns of possible fecal contamination.
Contamination Warning Details
Village officials sent letters on Monday warning of a “high potential” that the drinking water supply could be contaminated with feces due to a recent water system failure. The notice explained:
“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.”
Cause of the Advisory
- The advisory followed a water leak last month that raised concerns about untreated water with possible fecal matter entering the supply.
- Emergency repairs started immediately, with some homes experiencing intermittent water shut-offs.
Health Risks of Fecal Contamination
Fecal contamination poses significant health risks as it can introduce bacteria like E. coli into the water. Exposure to such bacteria can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and cramping. In severe cases, the infection can spread into the bloodstream, leading to sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
Summary
The water advisory reflects urgent efforts to protect Incline Village residents from illness linked to fecal contamination following a pipe failure that compromised the local water system.