A boil-water advisory has been issued for a two-block section of Koreatown in Los Angeles after routine testing detected the presence of E. coli bacteria in the water supply. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) announced the notice on Wednesday.
The detection occurred on Tuesday at a single water quality testing station and reportedly did not impact other areas of the water distribution system. While the cause of the positive E. coli result remains undetermined, LADWP officials have stated it is unrelated to the recent warehouse fire in Boyle Heights, and no fire-related contaminants were identified in the collected samples.
The LADWP implemented the boil-water notice as a precautionary measure while further testing is conducted and additional water samples are collected and analyzed. The affected zone is bordered by South Ardmore Avenue to the west, South Mariposa Avenue to the east, West 5th Street to the north, and West 6th Street to the south.
Department personnel were actively distributing bottled water to residents and businesses within the specified area on Wednesday, addressing needs such as ice production. Informational materials regarding the notice were also delivered door-to-door. Residents within the affected blocks are advised to boil all tap water for a full minute before use, allowing it to cool afterward. This recommendation applies to water intended for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, preparing ice, and all food preparation.
A spokesperson for the LADWP informed The Times on Wednesday evening that there is currently no estimated timeframe for lifting the advisory. The notice will remain in effect until all necessary testing is completed and results are confirmed. Customers will be promptly notified once the boil-water notice is rescinded.
