Mountain View households face water contamination after contractor error introduces bacteria
Updated
Updated · KQED · Apr 28
Mountain View households face water contamination after contractor error introduces bacteria
11 articles · Updated · KQED · Apr 28
About 65 households near Bonita Avenue and Cuesta Drive have lacked safe drinking water for five days after cement slurry entered the water system during a contractor's project.
Tests revealed coliform bacteria in two of ten samples, prompting the State Water Resources Control Board to oversee cleanup and prolonging the disruption for affected residents.
The city has provided bottled water and temporary lodging, declared a State of Emergency, and is seeking state and federal reimbursement as restoration efforts continue with no clear end in sight.
What is the total estimated economic damage from this water contamination crisis?
What are the long-term health risks for residents exposed to the water?
Beyond bacteria, what toxic chemicals from the cement are in the water supply?
Are other Mountain View neighborhoods at risk from similar infrastructure work?
Could inaccurate city utility maps have contributed to the contractor's error?
Will the contractor be held financially liable for the entire cleanup cost?