Boil water notice issued for part of Koreatown after E. coli found in water sample

This story first appeared on The LA Local.

Residents in a two-block area of Koreatown are being told to boil their tap water after routine testing found E. coli bacteria in a water sample, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power announced Wednesday. 

The boil water notice covers the area bounded by South Ardmore Avenue to the west, South Mariposa Avenue to the east, West 5th Street to the north and West 6th Street to the south.

Anyone in the affected area should use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking until further notice, the utility announced in its advisory. The department will deliver bottled drinking water to customers within the affected area while the advisory remains in effect.

LADWP said the bacteria was detected in a routine water sample collected Tuesday at one water quality testing location in Koreatown. Based on preliminary findings, the department believes the issue is limited to that location and does not affect the rest of the city’s water system.

The utility also said the notice is not related to the recent warehouse fire in Boyle Heights and that no fire-related contaminants were found in the water samples.

Residents in a two-block area of Koreatown are being told to boil their tap water after routine testing found E. coli bacteria in a water sample, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power announced Wednesday.

What should affected residents do?

While additional testing is underway, residents are being asked to bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute before letting it cool and using it. 

The same guidance applies to water used for brushing teeth, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables and preparing food.

The presence of E. coli can be a sign that water has been contaminated by human or animal waste, according to the utility company. That contamination can contain bacteria, viruses or other germs that may cause illnesses such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or headaches. Infants, young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk of becoming seriously ill.

Anyone experiencing those symptoms should contact a healthcare provider.

LADWP said it will notify customers as soon as follow-up testing confirms the water is safe to drink and the boil water notice can be lifted. 

Residents with questions can call the LADWP Water Quality Hotline at (213) 367-3182 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or (800) DIAL-DWP for 24-hour assistance.