2:30PM UPDATE 5/1/25
San Luis Obispo County Public Works have confirmed the bacteria that was found in the water system which prompted a boil water advisory yesterday is E. Coli and was detected in the Lopez Water Distribution System.
The Boil Water Advisory is still in place.
Shelly Cone, a representative of the County Public Works Department says this is the first time that repeated levels of coliform bacteria (E.Coli) had been found in this particular water distribution system that was above acceptable levels saying that this was an “unprecedented event” and that they are still investigating how this happened.
Cities and community services districts that are impacted by this event are conducting their own water tests. Once tests start to show negative results for bacteria, boil water notices may be lifted on a community-by-community basis. When this does happen, local officials will be sending out alerts via text messages using the Reverse 911 system and Alert SLO.
It’s also important to note, those who have a reverse osmosis system, your system may not filter ALL of the bacteria; this the boil water advisory still applies to commercial/residential users of a reverse osmosis system.
Symptoms of E. coli infection can include diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and a low fever.
Health experts say symptoms usually begin two to four days after drinking contaminated water. Most often, people will get better at home without medical treatment but, in some cases, illness can be severe.
The CDC advises contacting a doctor if you experience the following symptoms:
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Diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than two days
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Blood in the stool or urine
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Fever higher than 102 degrees
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Signs of dehydration
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Unexplained bruising or rash
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Feeling very tired or irritable
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Decreased awareness
Ben Heighes will have more on this Friday Morning on the KSMA Morning News.
ORIGINAL STORY BELOW —
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, CA — Officials with the county public works department have issued a Boil Water advisory for those in the Five Cities area of San Luis Obispo County. Routine water sample tests that were conducted, indicated positive results of bacteria in the drinking water distribution system. Areas affected: Residents in Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Oceano, Pismo Beach, Avila Beach and San Miguelito Water Company. A map illustrates the area below. According to the public works department for the county, they say this advisory will remain in effect through the weekend. Ben Heighes will keep you updated with the very latest information.
During this time, residents are being asked to take the following measures during the time the boil water advisory is in place:
Do not drink the water without boiling it first
- Boil all water for one (1) minute (rolling boil).
- Let water cool before drinking.
- Use boiled or bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice.
- Boiling water kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
If you are unable to boil your water:
Household unscented liquid bleach
- For clear water, use 8 drops (1/8 tsp.) of bleach for 1 gallon of water. For cloudy water, filter through a clean cloth and use 16 drops (1/4 tsp.) of bleach for 1 gallon of water.
- Mix well. Allow to stand for 30 minutes before using.
- Water may taste or smell like chlorine. This means disinfection has occurred.
Staff continues to assess equipment and processes to identify the contributing cause.
— San Luis Obispo County Public Works