Lake Tahoe issued water advisory over potential fecal contamination

Lake Tahoe Water Advisory Issued Due to Potential Fecal Contamination

This week, residents of Incline Village, a wealthy community on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, were instructed to boil their water amid concerns about possible fecal contamination.

Water Contamination Alert Details

On Monday, village officials sent letters warning of a "high potential" that the drinking water was contaminated with feces. The notice explained that the water system experienced a pressure loss, which could allow outside water to enter through cracks or breaks in the pipes.

"Incline Village water system experienced an event that resulted in loss of pressure in the distribution system, which may cause backpressure... or movement of water from outside the pipe to the inside through cracks, breaks or joints in the distribution system. Such a system failure carries with it a high potential that fecal contamination or other disease-causing organisms could enter the distribution system."

Cause and Response

The alert followed a water leak reported last month, raising concerns that untreated, feces-contaminated water entered the supply. Emergency repairs began immediately, and some homes faced intermittent water shutoffs during the work.

Health Risks of Fecal Contamination

Feces in drinking water can harbor harmful bacteria such as E. coli, which may cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream, leading to life-threatening sepsis.

"This bacteria often causes symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping. In serious cases, it can enter the bloodstream and cause the potentially fatal complication sepsis."

The authorities continue monitoring the situation to ensure water safety for the residents.

Summary: Incline Village residents face a boil water advisory after a leak raised serious concerns about fecal contamination and health risks linked to E. coli bacteria in the public water supply.

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Daily Mail Daily Mail — 2025-11-07

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