Active Emergency Alerts

May 3, 2025

The Boil Water Order has been LIFTED for all areas of
San Luis Obispo County.
Normal water use can resume in all areas. 

Boil Water Notice Incident Information

 

Boil Water Orders

Boil Water Notice All Clear - English

Boil Water Notice All Clear - Spanish 

Boil Water Notice Cancellation Update - English

Boil Water Notice Cancellation Update - Spanish

Boil Water Order 4/30/25 - English

Boil Water Order 4/30/25 - Spanish

 

Boil Water Order Guidance and Other Instructions

State Guidance 

County Environmental Health Restaurant Guidance

Handwashing Guidance

What Caused the Issues? 

5/2/2025: 

The Boil Order was issued on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 after one sample showed the presence of E. coli, with repeated samples only showing higher levels of total coliform bacteria, and not E. coli, in the County’s Lopez Lake water distribution system. Commonly found in the environment, Coliform bacteria are used as indicators of potential contamination. The repeated detection triggered a mandatory Boil Water Order.   

The communities that remain under the Boil Order have also continued to test negative for bacterial contamination during the entire Boil Order, but they remain connected to the County's Lopez Lake water distribution system, which requires the Order to remain in place.

Test results of the Lopez Lake distribution system were negative today, which means the entire boil Order could be lifted as early as Saturday, May 3, if those samples also test negative for bacteria.    

4/30/2025:

The County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department and Zone 3 agencies conduct routine tests to proactively catch situations that can adversely affect drinking water. During normal sampling efforts, the Public Works Department discovered repeated positive samples that fail to meet bacterial sampling requirements for total coliform, resulting in a Tier 1 violation per California State Water Resources Control Board.  Staff continues to assess equipment and processes to identify the contributing cause.

Media Releases - Updated!

5/3/2025 - County Public Works: 

5/2/2025 - County Public Works:

5/1/2025 - County Public Works: 

4/30/2025 - County Public Works: 

Additional Information By Water District

City of Arroyo Grande

City of Grover Beach

City of Pismo Beach

Avila Beach

Oceano

San Miguelito Mutual Water Company

County Public Works Contact Information

(805) 781-5252

publicworks@co.slo.ca.us

Symptoms Caused by Contaminated Drinking Water

Per the County Public Health Department: 

Symptoms of illness caused by drinking contaminated water may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Symptoms generally begin two to four days after drinking the contaminated water.   

Most people will recover at home without medical care but, in some cases, illness can be severe and will require medical treatment. Young children and older adults are more at risk of severe illness. 

Seek medical care right away if you experience any of these more severe symptoms:

  • Diarrhea or vomiting more than two days
  • Bloody stool or bloody urine
  • Fever higher than 102°F
  • Signs of dehydration such as little or no peeing, having very dark pee, being very thirsty, having a dry mouth or throat, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and crying without tears
  • Unexplained bruising or rash with tiny red spots
  • Feeling extremely tired or not alert

If you have mild symptoms and are recovering at home, it is important to stay well-hydrated. Give children with diarrhea or vomiting extra fluids, such as Pedialyte. 

What is a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA)?

Visit our Wireless Emergency Alert page to learn more about Wireless Emergency Alerts

What is a Reverse 911? 

 Visit our Reverse 911 page to learn more about Reverse 911.