Boil Your Water Before Drinking or Food Preparation to Avoid Illness
March 15, 2023 - Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office officials report that due to the recent water leak, which started on March 15, the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, and the Wawona Water System are advising residents of Wawona to only use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes as a safety precaution to avoid stomach or intestinal illness. The affected areas include: All users whose homes are higher in elevation than the Wawona Water Treatment Plant. Areas unaffected include the hotel and facilities lower in elevation than the Wawona Water Treatment Plant. If you are unsure of you elevation, follow the boil water notice.
We will inform you when tests show that water is safe to drink, and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem and providing potable water restoration when the leak is located and repaired.
If you have questions about other uses of tap water, such as bathing and dish washing, please call your water system or read this guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/.../What-to-Do-During-a-Boil-Water...
Optional: Potable water is available at the following locations: Container can be filled at the NPS maintenance yard on Wawona District Circle.
Please bring a clean water container (5 gallons maximum capacity).
Do not drink the water without boiling it first
Boil all water for one (1) minute (rolling boil).
Let water cool before drinking.
Use boiled or bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice.
Boiling water kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
If you are unable to boil your water:
Household unscented liquid bleach
For clear water, use 8 drops (1/8 tsp.) of bleach for 1 gallon of water. For cloudy water, filter through a clean cloth and use 16 drops (1/4 tsp.) of bleach for 1 gallon of water.
Mix well. Allow to stand for 30 minutes before using.
Water may taste or smell like chlorine. This means disinfection has occurred.
Water disinfection tablets
Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
For More Information
If you are concerned about your health or the health of a family member, contact your health care provider or the Mariposa County Public Health Department.
Water Utility contact: Utilities Branch Chief, Mike Vanzelfden (209) 379-1077
State Water Resources Control Board District Office: (559) 447-3300
Local Environmental Health Office: Mariposa County at (209) 966-3689
Please share or post this information with others who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
Source: Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office
