Long Beach working to fix water problems as boil order continues
The 90805, 90807 and some of the 90806 ZIP codes were affected by a broken main.
Long Beach will offer free bottled water to residents in three ZIP codes affected by problems with the water system, after a broken main flooded streets and interfered with service on Wednesday.
Residents and businesses in the 90805 and 90807 ZIP codes and in some of the 90806 area have been under an order since late last night to boil any water for drinking or cooking, but officials stressed Thursday that it’s only a precaution.
“There is no evidence that the water is unsafe to drink,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in an online news conference. “This is, again, an abundance of caution.”
A water main broke Wednesday at the intersection of Orange Avenue and East Wardlow Road, filling some streets with muddy water and leaving some homes and businesses with low pressure or no water for a time.
Officials still haven’t explained why the main failed, and a Long Beach Public Utilities spokesperson did not answer questions Thursday about whether there have been additional line breaks.
Residents shared photos of flooded streets in at least two other locations on Thursday: East Marshall Place and North Virginia Road, just west of Long Beach Boulevard; and Orange Avenue and East 37th Street, a few blocks north of Wardlow.
In the news conference, Long Beach Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis assured residents that city water is fine for bathing, but tap water and filtered water from the refrigerator should be boiled and cooled before using it for drinking, brushing teeth or preparing food. Officials also said tap water is safe for washing clothes and dishes.
It’s unknown how long the boil order will remain in place. City health officials are working with the state to run tests and ensure the water is safe to drink.
Officials said utility workers have been on the job since Wednesday fixing the problem, and they'll update the public further as needed.
Anyone in the affected ZIP codes who wants bottled water can stop by Houghton Park, 6301 Myrtle Ave., or Somerset Park, 1500 E. Carson St., starting this afternoon with proof of address – an ID or city utility bill – to get a case of water.
People with questions can reach the utilities call center at 562-570-2390.
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