17March2023: BOIL WATER NOTICE issued for all Forest Springs water connections
Dear Forest Springs Community,
As previously communicated via email and social media, Forest Springs detected a potential major leak late yesterday night based on usage data. Following an investigation this morning, a significant leak has been identified in one of our two potable water storage tanks. I would like to thank Water Response team lead Pat McCue for his quick work investigating and responding this morning in conjunction with a team from our water operator Miles Farmer of Cypress Water and board member Chris Bacon.
WATER IS BACK ON through a temporary bypass of the failing tank but the following 2 things must be noted:
1- this temporary bypass is through a 2" line rather than the 6" line. Water pressure will be lower than normal while we are using this temporary bypass. Early next week we will install a more appropriate bypass that will hopefully return pressure to normal. This emergency measure was implemented to get us some water for use over the weekend in a conserved manner- IT IS IMPERATIVE that we conserve water while we are operating on reduced capacity and flow.
2- As a precaution, chlorine solution was added to the water in the remaining connected tank and all fittings & piping were disinfected with chlorine solution. I am told that we may notice a chlorine smell. Boiling the water should help to remove the taste and smell.
Updates will be communicated as soon as they are available.
As a result of the loss in system pressure from the outage and repair, we are required to issue a BOIL WATER NOTICE (BWN). Testing will be required to lift the notice. The testing will be initiated as soon as a more permanent bypass is completed. Were we to initiate testing now, it would be invalidated when we initiate more repairs early next week so we have elected to wait until we are in a stable situation.
Please see attached BWN document or refer to the copied text below (the formatting will be different, but the content is identical).
Arrangements have been made to physically distribute this notice to households in Forest Springs and post in neighborhood common areas (e.g. mail boxes) later today- but in the meantime please share this information with your neighbors as able.
The contents of this message and notice have been reposted on the Forest Springs Facebook group and have reached out to a volunteer to repost on NextDoor.
Regards,
Elizabeth Bacon on behalf of the Forest Springs Improvement and Maintenance Association Board of Directors
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Este aviso contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable. Para una copia en español, favor de llamar al sistema de agua 831-338-1876 (FSI&MA)
Forest Springs March 17, 2023
BOIL WATER NOTICE
Boil Your Water Before Drinking or Food Preparation to Avoid Illness
3/17/2023 – Due to a severe failure to one of the potable water storage tanks, Forest Springs Water System required the immediate shutdown of the water system this morning for emergency repairs. Because of the loss of water pressure due to the emergency shutdown, the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, the Santa Cruz County Health Department, and the Forest Springs Improvement and Maintenance Association are advising residents of Forest Springs 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 area includes: All Forest Springs customers.
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 within two weeks.
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/healthywater/emergency/dwa-comm-toolbox/before/tools/What-to-Do-During-a-Boil-Water-Advisory.docx
Optional: Potable water is available at the following location: SLV water station next to the drug store in Boulder Creek.
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 Santa Cruz County Health Department.
Water Utility contact: Forest Springs I&MA- 831-338-1876 (voice mail box), fsboardmembers@forestsprings.org
State Water Resources Control Board District Office: (831) 655-6939
Local Environmental Health Jurisdiction: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health (831) 454-2022
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.
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