The Office of Emergency Services created a survey aimed at affected businesses after the California-American Water Company issued an alert regarding E. coli contamination in drinking water on August 24, 2023, to ascertain the financial impact of the notice.
The data gathered will be used to aid local, state, and federal governments in comprehending regional economic consequences and securing any state or federal resources that may be available.
The survey is open until September 15 and can be completed at https://engage.sandiegocounty.gov/boil-water-economic-impacts. It asks for examples of negative consequences brought on by the sudden notice, such as unplanned facility closures, the loss or disposal of contaminated food, the purchase of pre-washed or pre-packaged food to maintain operations, the buying of single-service products, the purchase of bottled water, a decline in the sponsorship of local businesses or tourists.
More than 17,000 customer accounts and up to 106,000 people were affected by this notice, according to California-American Water Company. Of these, 300 correspond to food facilities and restaurants, many of which had to close their doors for at least two days because of potential hazards to their customers and staff.
The following areas were affected: Imperial Beach, Coronado (south of Fiddler’s Cove), Nestor, Otay (in the City of San Diego), Mesa West, and Southwest Chula Vista.
A statement from Superintendent Gina Potter says that the San Ysidro School District canceled classes on Friday and resumed them on Monday.
Although there were reportedly no illnesses or outbreaks linked to contaminated water, there were individuals like Mr. Gregorio Marin, a resident of Chula Vista, who claimed that she noticed her dogs had diarrhea last week. Additionally, residents of Imperial Beach claimed that they experienced nausea for unknown reasons and linked it to drinking tap water after learning about the alert.
On Friday and Saturday of last week, bottled water was distributed to various locations as part of the activities in response to the contingency.
According to Brian Barreto, the spokesperson for California-American Water, as of the afternoon of August 26, the boil water warning has been lifted. This means tap water can now be consumed and used as usual, provided there are no signs of contamination in the water.
People can reach Cal-Am Water at 1-888-237-1333 or by visiting www.amwater.com if they still have inquiries or complaints.
*Translated by Carolina Herrera