Full Notification

Public Information Release
August 18, 2016
Lieutenant Steve Brooks, Public Information Officer


Lower Lake County Water District struggling after the Clayton Fire
The Lower Lake County Water System was significantly impacted by the Clayton Fire. The office is still without power and under an evacuation notice. Phil Spooner has been working under extraordinary conditions to try to reestablish water levels and pressures.

The entire water system is under a mandatory Boil Water Order.
Customers need to be aware that it takes a great deal of time and work to recover a public water system after such a devastating fire. As was experienced in the Valley Fire, further damage to water lines caused by cleanup crews and other utility agencies is unavoidable. There will be service interruptions and Boil Water Orders for some time.

Things customers can do to prepare for water outages and pressure loss are:

When returning home, bring bottled water with you. There will be interruptions in service and a supply of drinking water will be needed.

Inspect your home to make sure there are no open hose bibs or broken lines.

Use water sparingly until the tank levels can be restored. Do not hose down houses or cars.

Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before drinking or cooking.
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Water had to be turned off to many surviving homes to try to stop leaks and restore pressure. If you return home and do not have water you can call 489-1831 for assistance.

It is understandable that everyone wants to return home as quickly as possible but those that are staying in shelters are encouraged to continue to do so for a few days until all utilities can be restored.

Remember that in a catastrophic fire such as this one, recovery is slow and painful. Everything that can be done to bring the system back to normal operating conditions is being done. Patience and cooperation from all customers will help speed the recovery process.