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Residents in the Pierpont neighborhood of Ventura received a warning on Tuesday not to use tap water after gasoline contamination was detected in the city's water supply. The affected area spans from San Pedro to Peninsula Street, near Harbor Boulevard and Monmouth Way, where a gas leak had previously impacted the sewer line and storm drain.
City officials issued a "do not use" order, advising residents against using tap water for drinking, cooking, washing, or bathing. Boiling or filtering the water will not make it safe. Instead, residents should use bottled water for all household needs. The city has set up distribution points for potable water, providing up to five gallons per family daily at the City Maintenance Yard and Marina Park.
The contamination was discovered during routine monitoring, with trace amounts of gasoline found in the water supply for the first time. This comes after a significant fuel leak from a Sinclair gas station over a year ago, which had initially contaminated groundwater and the sewer system but not the drinking water.
Approximately 900 customers, including residential and commercial properties, are affected. Businesses like the Marriott hotel and local restaurants have been forced to close temporarily. Some residents have canceled Thanksgiving plans due to the disruption. City officials are working with the State Division of Drinking Water to resolve the issue and will notify residents once the water is deemed safe again.