Butte County Health Officer Issues Water Quality Advisory for Residents in Burn Affected Areas

BUTTE COUNTY, CA. – The Butte County Health Officer, Dr. Andy Miller, has issued a water quality advisory for people living in the Camp Fire affected areas and urges people not to drink or boil tap water.

Information from water authorities indicates the possibility that contamination may be present in home plumbing systems, and therefore, residents should not rely on home water filtration systems as they may not be adequate to provide needed protection. Due to the possibility of contamination, residents should not use tap water for drinking, cooking, food preparation, brushing teeth or similar activities.

In addition, it is highly recommended that residents take the following precautions:

• Limit use of hot water
• Limit shower time (use lukewarm water and ventilate area)
• Use a dishwasher to wash dishes and use air dry setting
• Wash clothing in cold water
• Do not take baths
• Do not use hot tubs or swimming pools

Residents who use water from private wells or temporary water storage tanks may want to have their water systems assessed and tested for contaminates that result from structural damage caused by the Camp Fire.

The Health Department does not have oversight over water authorities. If residents have questions about their water, they should contact their water authority directly.

###