One of the most picturesque and affluent communities along Lake Tahoe is dealing with a nasty problem: potential raw sewage contamination.
A boil water notice was sent Monday to residents of Incline Village, situated on the north end of Lake Tahoe in Nevada, after an “event” resulted in a loss of pressure in the water distribution system.
In the notice, officials with the community’s general improvement district said the loss of pressure could cause backups through cracks and joints in pipes and pose a “high potential that fecal contamination or other disease-causing organisms could enter the distribution system.”
Residents are advised not to drink the water until it has been boiled for at least three minutes or to drink only bottled water until further notice.
“Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms,” officials said. “These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms.”
Those who experience symptoms are urged to seek medical help.
Incline Village, which has been described as the “Malibu of Lake Tahoe,” has been home to many celebrities and billionaires, including Charles Schwab, Oracle founder Larry Ellison, singer Wayne Newton, and financier Michael Milken.
Repairs are underway, and officials expect the water to be safe to drink again on Thursday.