Is the Boil Water Notice Finally Lifted for Granada Hills and Porter Ranch?

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Granada Hills and Porter Ranch Residents Can Finally Use Tap Water Again

After a nearly week-long boil water notice, residents of Granada Hills and Porter Ranch can once again confidently use their taps. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) lifted the advisory issued to over 9,000 customers on Tuesday. However, the agency has strongly urged residents to flush their pipes using their tap water to ensure safety. This article will provide you with essential information about the advisory, how to properly flush your plumbing systems, and the steps taken by LADWP during this incident.

Understanding the Boil Water Notice

A boil water notice is a public health advisory issued when there is a potential risk of contamination in the water supply. This could be due to various reasons such as water main breaks, contamination from external sources, or equipment malfunctions. In this case, a malfunctioning valve forced LADWP to shut off the water supply for over 9,000 customers amid extreme heat conditions.

The National Weather Service had also issued a heat advisory for Southern California, predicting temperatures to soar to 10 to 12 degrees above normal. The combination of these factors prompted LADWP to take necessary measures swiftly to protect the health and safety of residents.

Steps to Properly Flush Your Plumbing System

Once the boil water notice was lifted, LADWP recommended that impacted customers flush their plumbing systems to ensure any contaminated water is removed from their home systems. Here are the detailed steps to follow:

1. Remove Aerators and Filters

Start by removing aerators and screens from all faucets. Set water-softening devices and filters—both point-of-use and whole-house—to "bypass mode." This step is crucial to prevent any buildup of contaminants from affecting these devices.

2. Flush Outside Plumbing

Open and flush external hose bibs or faucets for about 5 minutes, or until the water is clear and the temperature stabilizes. This initial flush helps clear any remaining stagnant water in your external plumbing.

3. Flush Cold Water Faucets

Next, run all cold water faucets on the property, beginning with the faucet closest to the water line. Allow the water to run at the highest flow rate for a minimum of 5 minutes or until the water appears clear and the temperature stabilizes. After this, turn off all faucets in reverse order.

4. Flush Hot Water Faucets

Drain your hot water tank to discharge any accumulated sediments. Once the tank is refilled, run all hot water faucets, starting again with the one closest to the water line. Let these faucets run for 5 minutes at the highest flow rate, then turn them off in reverse order.

5. Flush Toilets

A one-time flush of each toilet should suffice to clear any remaining contaminated water from the tanks and bowls.

6. Clean Automatic Ice Makers

For refrigerators with automatic ice makers, it is important to dump existing ice and flush the water feed lines. This can be done by making and discarding three batches of ice cubes. Don’t forget to wipe down the ice bin with a disinfectant afterward.

7. Clean and Disinfect Aerators and Screens

Prepare a 20% liquid chlorine bleach solution by mixing 1 cup of laundry bleach with 4 cups of water. Soak the aerators in this solution for no longer than 5 minutes, as extended exposure may damage them. Rinse them briefly with clean water before reattaching to faucets and fixtures.

8. Flush Appliances

Run an empty dishwasher and washing machine once on the rinse cycle to flush any residual contaminants. Additionally, flush the water dispenser on your refrigerator for 5 minutes.

9. Replace Filters and Reset Water Devices

Replace all filters, especially carbon filters, and reset any devices that were set to "bypass mode." This is particularly important if your filters are near the end of their life cycle.

10. Reverse Osmosis and Water Softeners

For Reverse Osmosis (RO) units, replace pre-filters according to the owner's manual for specific guidance. If you have a water softener, run it through a regeneration cycle to ensure it’s functioning properly.

Community Impact and Response

During the incident, LADWP took proactive measures to support the community. They distributed over 2.5 million bottles and more than 7,000 gallons of water to residents affected by the supply interruption. This gesture was crucial, especially during a heatwave when access to safe drinking water is paramount.

Construction crews worked diligently for six days to conduct emergency repairs on the water distribution system. Thanks to these efforts, water service was restored early on Monday morning. However, the boil water notice remained in effect until test results confirmed the water supply’s safety for consumption.

Customer Support and Resources

Residents with questions about water quality, flushing procedures, or any other concerns can reach out to LADWP directly. They can visit the LADWP website or call the customer service line during business hours. For 24-hour assistance, residents can dial the dedicated hotline.

Conclusion

The lifting of the boil water notice in Granada Hills and Porter Ranch marks a significant step toward normalcy for residents. While the incident highlighted vulnerabilities in the water supply system, it also showcased the community’s resilience and the swift response of LADWP. As you flush your plumbing and resume normal water usage, consider the importance of water safety and the measures that can be taken to ensure our water supply remains clean and safe for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I missed flushing my pipes after the boil water notice was lifted?

If you missed flushing your pipes, it's recommended to follow the flushing procedures outlined in this article as soon as possible. This ensures you remove any stagnant water that may pose health risks.

How can I ensure my tap water is safe to drink after a boil water notice?

After a boil water notice, it's crucial to flush your plumbing systems thoroughly. Following the recommended flushing procedures will help ensure your tap water is safe for consumption.

Will I receive any compensation for the inconvenience caused by the boil water notice?

Yes, LADWP customers impacted by the boil water notice will receive a $20 credit on their bills as compensation for flushing out their pipes and the inconvenience experienced.

As you reflect on the recent events in Granada Hills and Porter Ranch, consider how vital it is to stay informed about local water quality and safety measures. What steps are you taking to ensure your home remains a safe environment? #WaterSafety #GranadaHills #PorterRanch

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