Long Beach issues Boil Water Notice to thousands of residents

The city of Long Beach has issued a Boil Water Notice that affects thousands of customers across parts of three different zip codes.

“Long Beach Utilities Department made this decision out of an abundance of caution after experiencing low water pressures during a significant water main break at 3502 Orange Avenue earlier today,” the City stated in an email sent out late Wednesday.

The Boil Water Notice applies to the following areas of Long Beach:

• 90807 zip code
• 90805 zip code (east of the 710-Fwy)
• 90806 zip code (between Orange Avenue and Cherry Avenue, north of Spring Street– only if serviced by the Long Beach Utilities Department)

Residents and businesses in these areas were advised to use only boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking as a safety precaution to avoid stomach or intestinal illness.

Long Beach residents were given the following information regarding the notice:

• Do 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

In an emergency, water can also be purified by using household unscented liquid bleach following these steps:

• 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 in the affected areas is being monitored by Long Beach Utilities in coordination with the Division of Drinking Water (DDW).

Residents will be informed when testing confirms the water is safe to drink.

More information on this Boil Water Notice is available by calling Long Beach Utilities at 562-570-2390.

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