Incline Village General Improvement District officials issued a drinking water warning on Monday, November 3, after a loss of pressure in the area’s water system that could allow contamination.
In a letter to residents, officials said the pressure loss “may cause a backpressure, backsiphonage, or a net movement of water from outside the pipe to inside through cracks, breaks, or joints in the distribution system that are common in all water systems.”
They explained this failure carries “a high potential that fecal contamination or other disease-causing organisms could enter the distribution system,” creating conditions that “pose an imminent and substantial health endangerment to persons served by the system.”
The advisory instructs residents not to drink the water without boiling it first. Water should be brought to a boil, kept boiling for three minutes, and then allowed to cool before use. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice.
Officials noted that boiling water kills bacteria and other organisms that could be present. Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms, which can cause illness, especially in infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.
The issue stems from a water main leak in the Tyner/Lariat Circle area, causing intermittent water shutoffs. Addresses affected include:
- All of Lariat Way
- All of Lariat Circle
- 553–681 Tyner Way
- All of Doeskin Court
- All of Rockrose Court
- All of Alden Way
- All of Dale Drive
Officials are working to repair the water main and expect the issue to be resolved within 72 hours, by around 6 p.m. on November 6. Residents will be notified when the boil order is lifted, once repairs are complete and tests confirm the water is free of bacteria.
For more information, residents can contact the Incline Village General Improvement District at 775-832-1203 or visit www.yourtahoeplace.com.
