A Public Safety Power Shutoff in Kern County did more than cut electricity: It also disrupted a neighborhood water system and triggered a precautionary boil water notice in Bear Valley Springs, according to KBAK.
People living on parts of Deertrail Drive, Surrey Way, Woodview Court, and Goldspike Road were advised not to use tap water for drinking or cooking unless they boil it first.
Here's what to know
The Bear Valley Community Services District's notice covered Deertrail Drive from the south end of Surrey Way to Teal Court, along with Surrey Way, Woodview Court, Goldspike Road, and all side roads in those areas.
The district confirmed the shutoff caused water supply problems that affected its system.
Households in the impacted area were told to use bottled water or boil tap water for one full minute before drinking or cooking. Officials said the notice will stay in effect until further notice.
The district said it has not identified a specific water quality problem, but added that system interruptions can still raise safety concerns, which is why it issued the notice as a precaution.
The outage also underscores how power problems spill over into other essentials at home.
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More background
The advisory does not apply to all of Bear Valley Springs.
Instead, it is limited to a specific stretch of Deertrail Drive and nearby roads, including the area up to Teal Court and the connected side roads.
The district explained that a power shutoff can cause water problems because the system relies on generators when electricity goes out. If that backup setup is strained, water availability for residents in the impacted area can be affected.
While the water supply remains affected, families in the notice area may need bottled water for meals, boiled water for drinking and cooking, and to use water more carefully at home.
The district also asked residents to limit nonessential water use during the disruption.
What's being done?
The Bear Valley Community Services District planned to start collecting water samples and will share updates when more information is available.
Until officials lift the notice, residents were told to keep following the boil order and conserve water.
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