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A weekly test on Tuesday by officials in Downey resulted in a bacteria hit--coliform bacteria--prompting them to alert residents yesterday early evening (why it took so long, we do not know). The boil-water order could last three days as the city hyperchlorinates the water and lines where the bacteria was found and flushed.
Residents should boil tap water a minute or more before drinking or cooking with it, put dishwashers on the high-heat setting, use water bottles instead or use liquid household bleaches such as Clorox or Purex to disinfect the water. Taking a shower is okay as long as water is not ingested.
Earlier this week, a sustainability rating ranked neighbor Los Angeles with the least best tap water quality.