San Luis Obispo County, CA
05/15/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/15/2025 21:56
County Acts on State Recommendations After April Boil Water Notice Event
Author: Public Works
Date: 5/15/2025 2:57 PM
County staff will develop a plan to ensure the continued delivery of safe drinking water based on the recent state assessment of the Lopez Project water system. The actions come after elevated bacteria levels in two samples triggered a boil water notice last month.
On May 2, 2025, the State Water Resources Control Board's Division of Drinking Water conducted a comprehensive assessment of the Lopez Project water system. This inspection was required under state regulations following the April 28 detection of E. coli in the water supply, confirmed by a follow-up sample that tested positive for total coliform bacteria.
On May 9, the Division of Drinking Water provided their assessment report to the County. It identified four corrective actions that focus on improving the Lopez Project, and requires replacing outdated equipment, enhancing facility monitoring, and addressing aging infrastructure.
The County must provide a response to the assessment findings by May 30, 2025 and will develop a detailed plan and timeline for how and when each required improvement will be implemented.
Corrective actions include:
- Replacing corroded water sampling stations to ensure accurate and representative water quality testing
- Upgrading aging air and vacuum relief valves to protect against potential flooding and system failure
- Increasing routine inspections of water system facilities so they remain secure and clean
- Developing a long-term maintenance plan for the main transmission line, which is more than 50 years old
The County continuously monitors the treatment plant and distribution system and routinely performs preventative maintenance including replacement of aging equipment. Implementing these corrective actions will improve on the proactive efforts already in place. San Luis Obispo County will continue to partner with the Division of Drinking Water, and both agencies remain committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring the continued delivery of safe, high-quality drinking water through the Lopez Project system.
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