PRESS RELEASE
September 20, 2017
5:45 pm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Sarah Henry, Public Information Officer
(510) 747-4714
No Restrictions on Alameda Point Water Use
Test Results Show Safe Water; City Issues FAQ to Answer Community Questions
Last week there was a cross-connection between the potable (drinkable) water and irrigation systems at Alameda Point, causing non-East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD) water to get into the drinking water system. The City and EBMUD staff fixed the cross-connection issue by permanently disconnecting a well that supplied the irrigation line. Repeated samples taken directly from the potable distribution system water have been tested, and the results show that customers are receiving EBMUD water which meets or exceeds all drinking water standards.
EBMUD also analyzed samples from the irrigation well for a broad range of regulated drinking water contaminants. These samples did not contain compounds that present an acute health risk. Specifically, all of the samples of the water distribution system were absent of harmful constituents such as metals, volatile organic compounds, and harmful bacteria such as e. coli. Samples from the irrigation well did contain elevated levels of total coliform bacteria and had little to no measurable disinfectant, but did not contain any e. coli bacteria. Although we do not believe there is any significant health risk, as always, customers should consult their doctor if they have any health-related questions or concerns.
This past week, the City received many questions and developed a Frequently Asked Questions document and posted it on our website at www.alamedaca.gov/waterfaq.
We received many calls asking what triggered the change in water quality at Alameda Point and how did the problem get resolved. Starting last Friday, September 8, and continuing through the weekend, calls came in to EBMUD and the City from residents and businesses at Alameda Point regarding the look and taste of the water. EBMUD responded to each complaint and tested water within the properties, test results were consistent with EBMUD drinking water and considered safe to drink. Tests continued through Monday, September 11, and as before, these tests came back clear.
By Tuesday, September 12, field measurements from follow-up testing performed that day showed the presence of non-potable water in the Alameda Point drinking water system. With this test data, the City of Alameda issued a Do Not Drink/Do Not Use advisory to all Alameda Point residences and businesses. Later that night, the irrigation well that was the source of the non-potable water was shut down, EBMUD flushed the water lines, and tests showed signs of improved water quality.
On Wednesday, September 13, tests continued to show improvement in the water quality and bacteria samples came back clean. As a result, the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water lifted the advisory to avoid bodily contact with the water at Alameda Point. The do-not-drink advisory remained in place until the more extensive tests could be confirmed.
On Friday, September 15, comprehensive tests of Alameda Point’s system came back negative for harmful contaminants. The State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water lifted the remaining do-not-drink advisory and will continue to work with EBMUD and City staff to investigate the incident and work to ensure a continued high-quality drinkable water system at Alameda Point.
The FAQ provides additional information on our comprehensive efforts to alert our community about this issue and provide resources for those affected by the temporary disruption in high-quality water. We will continue to provide updates as we receive additional information on our website at https://alamedaca.gov/news.
EBMUD and City staff will continue regularly monitor and test Alameda Point’s potable water system to ensure its safety.
