340 homes still without drinkable water in San Lorenzo Valley Water District

BOULDER CREEK, Calif. (KION) The water tests are continuing daily to determine if part of San Lorenzo Valley Water District’s water source was contaminated by the CZU August Lightning Complex Fires.

340 homes in some areas off of Highway 236 and Highway 9 in Boulder Creek are still included in the Do Not Drink and Do Not Boil order.

“Every day I’m hoping that sign comes down, because I get
tired of bringing in water,” Boulder Creek resident Stormy Strong said.

Outside the water district office, residents can pick up gallons of water and fill up water jugs. However, the water district says the supply of water is running out.

The water problems are making the homecoming not quite as welcoming.

“Originally we really had to tell ourselves not to drink the water, not to
put the toothbrush in the water, or nothing with the water in your mouth,” Boulder Creek resident Connie Neil said.

However, even for those who now have drinkable water it can look a lot different. The District is relying on the Olympia wells in Ben Lomond for water. According to the water district, the wells have much higher dissolved mineral content than other District water sources. These minerals don't pose a health hazard, but can affect the the taste, odor and color.

“It's not what everyone is used to seeing, so everyone asking a lot of
questions," Scott Mattoch with the San Lorenzo Valley Water District said.

Some neighborhoods could be just days away from having drinkable water, but waiting for the test results is proving to be a very long process.

“It takes time for the results to get in and get back. Let the state look at them, and then we have to have so many clean tests in a row for us to get rid of the do not boil order,” Mattoch said.

All of the Big Basin Water Co. customers are also under a do not drink and do not boil order.

Tonight at 5 and 6 p.m. on KION, Drew Andre explains how long these residents could still be without water.