Boil-water notice issued for part of Koreatown after E. coli detected

KOREATOWN, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A boil-water notice was issued Wednesday for a section of Koreatown because of E. coli contamination.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power reported routine water quality testing came back positive for E. coli Tuesday and issued the notice for a two-block area covering South Ardmore Avenue to the west, South Mariposa Avenue to the east, West Fifth Street to the north and West Sixth Street to the south.

AIR7 was over the area where drinking water had been delivered. There were also dozens of LADWP employees working on site.

LADWP urges those specific customers within the boundaries to only use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and food preparation until further notice.

"Preliminary reports from the field indicate the E. coli was found in routine water samples taken from one particular water quality testing station in Koreatown and does not affect the overall water distribution system," LADWP said.

The utility said it issued the notice out of an abundance of caution while additional samples are collected and tested.

"Customers in the area should bring all tap water to a boil for one minute and let it cool before use," according to the LADWP. "This applies to water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice cubes and food preparation such as washing produce and for cooking."

LADWP says there are approximately 460 residential customers and a small strip mall affected. The area is home to multiple apartment buildings.

LADWP says the notice is not related to the warehouse fire in Boyle Heights. There's no indication what caused the positive test.

The utility says it's conducting additional testing to restore water quality.

"Once the Boil Water Notice can be lifted, LADWP will immediately inform customers," LADWP said.

Koreatown residents relying on bottled water

Rosa Delcid, who lives in the affected area, said she had already used the water to eat, drink and wash clothes before learning it could be contaminated.

"I'm very upset," Delcid said.

Frustration is also growing among neighbors affected by the advisory.

"I don't want to add boiling water to my daily maintenance," resident Janaye Lloyd said.

The advisory is also affecting local businesses.

Kathy, the owner of a restaurant in the area, said the restaurant received bottled water from LADWP but was later told by the health department that it had to close until the water is deemed safe. She doesn't know when the restaurant will reopen.

Nearby, Leen Assi said preparations for a restaurant opening were disrupted by the advisory. Assi said workers had to obtain water from outside the affected area to continue work on the restaurant.

"It's pretty frustrating because you're on a tight schedule especially with construction," Assi said.

"Everything is up in the air," she added.

City News Service contributed to this report.