Del Oro Water Company - Camp Fire Update

Camp Fire Update

For updated information regarding sampling results and restoration of service in areas affected by the Camp Fire, please see the Camp Fire Information Page.

8/7/2019 - 8:00am

BUTTE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES REVISED WATER QUALITY ADVISORY FOR RESIDENTS IN BURN AFFECTED AREAS

Butte County Water Quality Advisory 8/6/2019 (PDF)

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6/18/2019 - 11:30am

FACTS ABOUT WATER QUALITY IN DEL ORO WATER COMPANY’S CAMP FIRE-AFFECTED DISTRICTS

At Del Oro Water Company, we consider the safety of our customers to be of utmost importance. With this in mind, we have consistently followed the protocols given by the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water – Redding (DDW) as we work through the recovery after the Camp Fire. Customers who have requested testing, or potential customers for whose services testing has been required, have been informed by Del Oro office and field personnel of procedures, timeframes, and results as available.

As they become available to Del Oro, all test results may be found on our Camp Fire Information webpage, Sampling Results.

Following is a summary of Benzene and other volatile organic chemical (VOC) results received through this posting (for sampling performed since March 11, 2019 in the unified Phase I Testing):

In the Paradise Pines, Lime Saddle, and Magalia Districts:

Empty Lots: 74 different empty lots or sampling stations in the burn area have been tested, with six requiring retests due to exceedance of the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 1.0 part per billion (ppb) for Benzene. Upon retest, Benzene results for three of those lots were under the MCL or non-detect (ND); therefore, the water service for those lots was declared potable (drinkable). Results for the remaining three are outstanding. (Updated 6/19/2019 from 77 to 73 to reflect 4 tests considered invalid due to exceedance of the acceptable hold time before processing. Updated 6/24/19 from 73 to 74 to reflect 5/30/19 sample result received.)

Standing Structures: 22 different standing structures (homes, schools, or businesses) in the burn area have been tested, including seven at customer request. NONE of these structures exceeded the MCL of 1.0 ppb for Benzene; therefore, NONE required retesting. (Updated 6/19/2019 from 31 to 21 to reflect 10 tests considered invalid due to exceedance of the acceptable hold time before processing. Updated 6/24/19 from 21 to 22 to reflect 5/30/19 sample result received.)

Recreational Vehicles: 22 different RVs occupying empty (burned) lots in the burn area have been tested, with one requiring a retest due to exceedance of the MCL of 1.0 ppb for Benzene. Upon retest, the Benzene result for that RV was ND; therefore, the water service for that RV was declared potable (drinkable).

Other VOCs: In addition to Benzene, the DDW also tested for numerous other VOCs with the sampling completed March 11, 2019. A total of 31 locations were tested for 20 additional VOCs. Those results were all under the Reporting Limit of 0.5 ppb. (Updated 6/19/2019 from 45 to 31 to reflect 14 tests considered invalid due to exceedance of the acceptable hold time before processing.)

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6/14/2019 - 4:30pm

SWRCB-DDW ISSUES PLUMBING GUIDANCE ISSUED FOR BUILDINGS IN AREAS DAMAGED BY WILDFIRE

The State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water has posted "Information to Water Customers Regarding Water Quality in Buildings Located in Areas Damaged by Wildfire." This document gives information regarding benzene contamination, and outlines steps customers can take to flush their lines and test for benzene.

Please CLICK HERE to view that document on the SWRCB's website. Links to this document are also located on our Camp Fire Information Page on the Home and Restoration of Service tabs.

PHASE II SAMPLING AND RECOVERY PLAN SET TO BEGIN

Please visit our Camp Fire Information webpage to see more information on Del Oro's Phase II Sampling and Recovery Plan submitted to the Division of Drinking Water (DDW) on May 15, 2019.

You can find that by going to Water Information, and choosing Camp Fire, or by clicking here: http://www.delorowater.com/deloro/water-information/camp-fire.html Scroll to the Descriptions of Sampling Categories, where the Phase II information is in red text.

Del Oro Phase II Sampling and Recovery Plan (PDF)

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5/22/2019 - 4:45pm

CAMP FIRE INFORMATION WEBPAGE UPDATED WITH APPROVED PHASE II SAMPLING AND RECOVERY PLAN

Please visit our Camp Fire Information webpage to see more information on Del Oro's Phase II Sampling and Recovery Plan submitted to the Division of Drinking Water (DDW) on May 15, 2019.

Del Oro Phase II Sampling and Recovery Plan (PDF)

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5/1/2019 - 4:45pm

Purdue University is conducting a survey of residents in the Camp Fire area as part of a research study to better understand the experiences and needs of those affected by the fire. The survey is open from 5/1/2019 to 5/15/2019.

If you would like to participate, please CLICK HERE. (You will be taken to a website not affiliated with Del Oro Water Company.)

For more information on plumbing safety, the survey, and the research study, please go to Purdue's Center for Plumbing Safety.

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4/15/2019 - 2:30pm

PRESS RELEASE BY THE STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) issued a press release today updating its March 5, 2019 ADVISORY regarding benzene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to a DISCLOSURE.

Del Oro Water Company would like to reassure customers that, as previously stated, so far MOST test results for benzene have come back "non-detect" or under the reporting standard. Additional testing at any locations exceeding the maximum contaminant level has indicated "non-detect" or under the reporting standard.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SWRCB'S PRESS RELEASE DATED 4/10/2019.

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4/3/2019 - 3:20pm

CAMP FIRE INFORMATION WEBPAGE UPDATED WITH REQUIREMENTS TO RESTORE SERVICE IN BURNED AREAS

Please go to our new Camp Fire Information webpage to see more information on testing required to restore water service to a lot in the Camp Fire burn area.

You can find that by going to Water Information, choosing Camp Fire, and clicking on the Restoration of Service tab. Or click here: http://www.delorowater.com/deloro/water-information/camp-fire.html and click on the Restoration of Service tab.

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3/22/2019 - 3:50Pm

CAMP FIRE INFORMATION WEBPAGE FEATURING LAB RESULTS AS AVAILABLE

Please go to our new Camp Fire Information webpage to view post-Camp Fire sampling locations, test results as they become available, advice letters as applicable to the Camp Fire, and frequently asked questions regarding the proposed surcharge.

You can find that by going to Water Information, and choosing Camp Fire, or by clicking here: http://www.delorowater.com/deloro/water-information/camp-fire.html

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3/12/2019 - 10:15am

LIME SADDLE JANUARY LAB TEST RESULTS

The following link contains January 2019 lab test results for Del Oro's Lime Saddle District's raw and treated water. In summary, all reults are non-detect or below the Maximum Contaminant Levels established by California regulations.

Please click here to view Lime Saddle lab results for January 2019.

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3/5/2019 - 2:40pm

PRESS RELEASE BY THE STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) issued a press release today updating its January 11, 2019 Advisory regarding benzene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SWRCB'S PRESS RELEASE DATED 3/5/2019.

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2/20/2019 - 9:20am

BENZENE RESULTS UPDATED

Two hydrants tested in the Paradise Pines District on 12/5/2018 had detectable benzene (still under the MCL). Follow-up testing on 1/15/2019 indicated that one hydrant was ND, while the other exceeded the MCL at 2.93 ppb. Additional testing conducted at that hydrant on 1/31/2019 indicates that benzene was under the reportable level of 0.5 ppb.

Please click here for a summary of the results as of 2/20/2019 (PDF format).

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2/19/2019 - 12:00pm

BENZENE RESULTS RECEIVED TO DATE

Since the Camp Fire, Del Oro has been conducting testing for contaminants, including benzene, in the transmission and distribution systems, and at customers' private plumbing systems. The State has set the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for benzene at 1 microgram per liter (ug/L) which is approximately 1 part per billion (ppb). Benzene contamination has been identified as a problem following fires when the water system loses pressure, causing it to draw particles from burned properties' plastic pipes into the water system. The water system in the Buzztail District never lost pressure; therefore, testing for benzene was not necessary.

The following test results indicate that MOST locations tested in the Paradise Pines (PP), Lime Saddle (LS), and Magalia (MG) Districts have been non-detect (ND) for benzene.

However, two hydrants tested in PP on 12/5/2018 had detectable benzene (still under the MCL). Follow-up testing on 1/15/2019 indicated that one hydrant was ND, while the other exceeded the MCL at 2.93 ppb. We are awaiting results for additional testing conducted at that hydrant on 1/31/2019.

One home in LS indicated 8.1 ppb on 12/5/2018, but follow-up testing on 12/19/2018 indicated ND.

All locations tested in MG on 12/5/2018 and 1/10/2019 were ND.

Please click here for a summary of the results as of 2/15/2019 (PDF format).

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1/16/2019 - 9:35am

REPORT ODORS RELATING TO THE CAMP FIRE

Any odors that you believe could be related to the Camp Fire, such as plastic or fuel odors, should be directed to the Division of Drinking Water at 530-224-4873. This phone number will receive messages that will be checked at least twice daily during normal business hours. Messages will be forwarded to Del Oro Water Company as soon as possible for follow up action. Before reporting an odor, please make sure all of your water lines have been thoroughly flushed for at least 5 minutes.

In addition to leaving a message for the Division of Drinking Water, you may bypass the Del Oro phone wait times and go online to Contact Us and fill out the electronic form which is then sent directly to our Call Center.

CALL CENTER WAIT TIMES FOLLOWING CAMP FIRE

Due to the Camp Fire, Del Oro Call Center agents are experiencing longer call times in order to thoroughly answer customer questions. This level of customer service has led to longer wait times up to 20 minutes. Be assured that Del Oro Call Center agents will get to all callers, and will take as much time as necessary to address your concerns.

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1/11/2019 - 4:50pm

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has updated its December 24, 2018 advisory based on new test results and information. To view the updated notice, please click the following link, which will take you to the SWRCB's website:

SWRCB Notice 1/11/2019

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1/11/2019 - 8:40am

On Thursday January 10, 2019, State Water Board staff along with Del Oro field personnel sampled 12 State-approved established testing stations throughout the three districts (Paradise Pines, Magalia, and Lime Saddle). The lab responsible for testing is indicating it may be at least two weeks for them to process the samples and provide the results. Initial indications were that there was no odor at any of the sites.

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1/9/2019 - 11:20am

PLEASE READ THE LATEST NOTICE REGARDING WATER QUALITY IN THE DISTRICTS AFFECTED BY THE CAMP FIRE: Paradise Pines, Lime Saddle, Magalia, and Buzztail Districts.

CLICK HERE FOR THE NOTICE POSTED JANUARY 9, 2019.

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11/21/2018 - 1:20pm

DEL ORO WATER COMPANY RESCINDS BOIL-WATER-ORDER FOR PARADISE PINES, LIME SADDLE, MAGALIA, AND BUZZTAIL DISTRICTS.

Del Oro Water Company advises its water users that the boil water notice has been rescinded for the following districts: PARADISE PINES, MAGALIA, LIME SADDLE, & BUZZTAIL. Lab tests have confirmed that the water is safe to consume in all districts affected by the Camp Fire.

Del Oro Water Company advises its water users to flush their lines for several mintues to eliminate air and sediment in their service lines and plumbing.

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11/19/2018 - 1:50pm

DEL ORO WATER COMPANY RESCINDS BOIL-WATER-ORDER FOR STIRLING BLUFFS DISTRICT.

Del Oro Water Company advises its water users that the boil water notice has been rescinded for the Stirling Bluffs District ONLY. The orignal boil water notice is still in effect for the following districts: PARADISE PINES, MAGALIA, LIME SADDLE, and BUZZTAIL.

Refer to the Amended Boil-Water-Notice

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11/10/2018 - 4:00pm

DEL ORO WATER COMPANY ISSUES BOIL-WATER-ORDER

Refer to Boil-Water-Notice

As a result of the Camp Fire, the Del Oro Water Company’s following districts: PARADISE PINES, MAGALIA, LIME SADDLE, STIRLING BLUFFS & BUZZTAIL, in conjunction with the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, is advising all its customers and/or emergency responders that the water from the Districts may not be safe to drink. We advise people to boil the tap water or use bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes. This is a safety precaution to avoid stomach or intestinal illness as much of the water delivery system has been dewatered, which can allow contaminates to enter the water system. The affected area includes all customers served by the PARADISE PINES, MAGALIA, LIME SADDLE, STIRLING BLUFFS & BUZZTAIL.

Cal Fire has also requested that our customers conserve water, and minimize non-fire related consumption. We will inform you when tests show that water is safe to drink and you no longer need to boil your water. We are working to resolve the problem as soon as possible.

Our hearts and thoughts go out to our customers, co-workers and friends who have been affected by this fire. Please note that any collection will be suspended during this time, so residents do not need to worry about their bill through this emergency.

With history dating back to 1963, Del Oro Water Company and its dedicated professionals who provide regulated drinking water services are firmly committed to producing and delivering a safe and dependable supply of quality water.

We strongly urge our customers to heed any evacuation warnings and orders; please be safe out there.

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