SAN MARTIN, Calif. (KRON) -- A boil water notice remains in effect for California American Water customers in West San Martin after E. coli bacteria was detected in the drinking water supply.
The notice, issued Nov. 7, advises affected residents to boil their water for at least one minute before drinking it or use bottled water. The precautions also apply to cooking, brushing teeth, making ice and preparing food.
For some residents, the contamination brings back memories of previous water quality problems in the community.
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“It’s a little stressful but we’re used to it, this isn’t the first time we had a water problem,” said David, a San Martin resident.
For many people, getting a glass of water from the kitchen faucet is something they don’t have to think twice about. But for residents in West San Martin, that everyday task has become a concern.
KRON4 spoke with Joanne, who has lived in West San Martin for 18 years and has called Santa Clara County home her entire life. She said she and her husband received a notification about the E. coli contamination in the mail.
“When we saw the notification we read it through and through and we realized since we’re on a well, that we were likely not affected but we immediately called our neighbor across the street who is on the California American Water system… and who is immunosuppressed and we were worried about. So, we called her, also was told she was notified properly and that she has bottled water,” Joanne said.
David said he believes the county has been proactive in notifying residents about the contamination. He also pointed to a previous water quality issue involving perchlorate in the early 2000s.
“Long time ago San Martin took noticed of it, they produced and osmosis station at the end of colony street and that osmosis station reduces the chemical to where its not long perchlorate,” David said.
Joanne said the previous contamination remains a concern for some residents.
“Theres a lot of old feelings in this area because years ago there was a perchlorate that affected the area for years, it's resolved now, but it was a real problem so we are aware of water purity here,” Joanne said.
Under the current notice, affected customers are advised not to drink tap water unless it has first been brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute. Bottled water can also be used.
David said he plans to continue using bottled water, even after the current issue is resolved.
“Most of us are going to continue on bottled water regardless of osmosis station and it looks like for the time being we have to be proactive about our cold water,” he said.
Free bottled water is available to affected residents at Rocca’s Market and the Santa Clara County Animal Services facility.
Despite those resources, Joanne said she still wants to know what caused the contamination and how officials plan to prevent future problems.
“So far I haven’t heard where the source is,” she said.
Joanne is also concerned the E. coli contamination could worsen. She recalled flooding in the area during the 2017 El Niño, which she said was accompanied by a sewage spill.
“And there was a lot of flooding that the water became contaminated at the end of Harding there was a sewage spill then. So now that we have the rains coming that would be a concern is like OK if we have a problem with E. Coli we’d like to get it resolved for the whole area,” Joanne said.
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department said E. coli bacteria are found in the intestines of people and animals. While many types are harmless, some can cause illness.
The department said residents who believe they may have consumed contaminated water should watch for symptoms including stomach cramps, vomiting, fever and diarrhea.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should stay hydrated by drinking bottled water or water that has been boiled for at least one minute. The department said most people recover from E. coli illness without antibiotics.
Residents should contact their doctor right away if they experience severe symptoms, including diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than two days, blood in their stool or urine, a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, or signs of dehydration such as dizziness or fainting.
The department said children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems should contact a doctor right away or visit an emergency department if they experience severe symptoms.
To reduce the risk of illness, residents under the boil water notice should wash their hands frequently with soap and use bottled water or water boiled for at least one minute for drinking, cooking and brushing their teeth.
The department also confirmed it has not received any reported cases of E. coli illness connected to the San Martin boil water advisory. It said it is coordinating with the state to support the investigation and response. Questions about the state-led investigation can be directed to the California State Water Resources Control Board.
California American Water has said it is working with state regulators to address the contamination. The company is adding chlorine to water entering the affected zone, flushing the distribution system and conducting multiple water quality tests each day.
The boil water notice will remain in effect until the state’s Division of Drinking Water confirms that additional test results meet safety requirements.
