UPDATE April 10: State water officials have given Sonoma State University clearance to cancel a Boil Water notice that has been in effect since Monday. The lifting of the notice follows two rounds of testing of the campus water supply. In both cases, the tests showed the university’s water was safe to consume.
“As we noted early on, we were issuing these restrictions in keeping with the state Water Resources Control Board directives,” said Joyce Lopes Vice President of Administration and Finance at Sonoma State. “We appreciate the patience everyone on campus showed while this issue was being addressed. We’re glad it has been resolved safely.”
The problem began on Sunday when Sonoma State’s well-fed water system experienced a drop in water pressure. Restoring pressure in a well system can cause sediment to be stirred up. As a result, officials from the state Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water directed the university to issue a Boil Water notice, advising those on campus to use bottled water or boiled tap water for drinking and cooking purposes. The notice was in effect until two rounds of water tests could be completed. The testing took place over the next 48 hours. During that time, thousands of bottles of water were handed out to students, faculty and staff.
Although all water restrictions have now been lifted, those on campus have been alerted that campus water could have a cloudy appearance due to the recent loss in pressure. Despite the cloudy appearance, the water is safe to consume. Any cloudiness in the water should be a temporary situation. Nevertheless, anyone concerned about the condition or appearance of water is encouraged to contact Facilities Management at 707-664-2317.
Original story:
Due to an unanticipated drop in water pressure in Sonoma State University’s well-fed water system, Facilities Management is required to advise those on campus to use bottled water or boiled tap water for drinking and cooking purposes.
This notice is being sent out of an abundance of caution, as required by the state Water Resources Control Board.
Bottled water will be made available for all students, faculty and staff. Staff will inform those on campus when tests show that the water is safe and there is no longer a need to drink bottled or boiled water.
The bottled water distribution points will be as follows:
• REACH office at Zinfandel Hall from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Key kiosk room at Zinfandel from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m.
• Student Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bottled water has already been distributed to the Student Health Center and the Children’s School. Culinary Services has been notified and is taking appropriate precautionary procedures.
If you have any questions, contact Environmental Health and Safety on campus at (707) 664-2932.
