Do Not Drink FAQ - LA County Public Works

1. Why was a Do Not Drink Notice issued for my water?
   The Palisades Fire has caused tremendous destruction in our community and has also potentially impacted water infrastructure facilities, including reservoirs/tanks and pump stations. These conditions may have caused harmful contaminants to enter the water system.
   
   Out of an abundance of caution, a Do Not Drink Notice was issued for the portions of our service area served by the potentially impacted facilities to protect the health of our customers.  This impacts customers in the eastern portion of the City of Malibu up to and including Carbon Canyon and the community of Saddle peak in Topanga.  We are advising customers in the affected area to NOT USE THE TAP WATER FOR DRINKING AND COOKING UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
2. Why was the Boil Water Notice changed to a Do Not Drink notice?
   A Do Not Drink Notice is issued when a water system experiences wildfire impacts and may have fire related contamination. As a precautionary measure, this Notice is issued until water quality data is available. Because of the low pressure caused by the fire, our water may be contaminated with chemicals that cannot be removed by the customers. When pressure drops very low, the system can suck in contaminants from burned structures and equipment and spread them through the system. Among such contaminants are benzene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that cannot be removed by disinfectants such as bleach or by common household filter systems. Boiling contaminated water would vaporize those chemicals into the air you breathe.
3. Is LACWD making bottled water available?
   LACWD will be distributing bottled water to affected customers at: Malibu Civic Center – 23533 West Civic Center Way, Malibu, CA 90265, and at: Topanga Library, 122 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290 until Feb 1, 2025.
4. How long will the Do Not Drink Notice be in effect?
   The DO NOT DRINK Notice has been cancelled as of Tuesday, January 28.
5. Can I treat the water myself?
   Since the DO NOT DRINK Notice has been cancelled, there is no need for the water to be treated.  
6. Should I limit hot water usage?
   Since the DO NOT DRINK Notice has been cancelled, you may resume normal use of hot water.
7. Can I use tap water for drinking and cooking?
   Yes, you may resume using your tap water for all regular water usage.
8. Is it safe to use bottled water?
   It is safe to use bottled water.
9. Can I use ice?
   Dump existing ice and flush the water feed lines by making and discarding three batches of ice cubes. Wipe down the ice bin with a disinfectant. If your water feed line to the machine is longer than 20 feet, increase to five batches.
10. Can I use my hot tub or swimming pool?
    Yes, you may resume using your hot tub or swimming pool.
11. If in the impacted area, is the water safe for washing dishes?
    Yes, it is safe to use a dishwasher to wash dishes using tap water.
12. If in the impacted area, is the water safe for washing clothes?
    Yes, it is safe to wash clothes using tap water.
13. If in the impacted area, is the water safe for bathing and shaving?
    Your tap water may be used for showering, bathing, shaving, and washing, etc.
14. How should I wash my hands?
    The tap water is safe to use to wash your hands. 
15. Is the water safe to give to my pet?
    Yes, it is safe to give your pet tap water.
16. Does this Notice affect how I can use my toilets?
    There is no restriction or concern about using your toilet.
17. What if I have already consumed potentially contaminated water?
    The likelihood of becoming ill is low. However, illness is possible, especially for people that have a chronic illness or may be immunocompromised. Anyone experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, with or without fever, should seek medical attention. These symptoms are not unique to exposure to potential contaminants/organisms in the water, and a doctor’s involvement is key to identifying the cause of your illness. If your doctor suspects a waterborne illness, you may be asked to provide blood and/or stool samples.
18. What should customers do when the Do Not Drink notice is lifted?

• Flush household pipes/faucets first: To flush your plumbing, run all your cold water faucets on full for at least 5 minutes each. If your service connection is long or complex (like in an apartment building) consider flushing for a longer period. Your building superintendent or landlord should be able to advise you on longer flushing times.
• Automatic ice makers: Dump existing ice and flush the water feed lines by making and discarding three batches of ice cubes. Wipe down the ice bin with a disinfectant. If your water feed line to the machine is longer than 20 feet, increase to five batches.
• Hot water heaters, water coolers, in line filters, and other appliances with direct water connections or water tanks: Run enough water to completely replace at least one full volume of all lines and tanks. If your filters are near the end of their life, replace them.
• Water softeners: Run through a regeneration cycle.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) units: Replace pre-filters, check owner’s manual.
• Replace other water filters, as they are disposable and may be contaminated. This applies especially to carbon filters and others that are near the end of their life.

For questions, Please call LACWD Customer Service at 877-637-3661. For water quality questions, please call 800-718-6062.