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Water contamination warning issued for portion of Santa Paula amid apparent reservoir break-in

Water testing
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Water contamination warnings have been issued for about 15,000 people living in the eastern portion of the Ventura County city of Santa Paula after someone apparently broke into the area where reservoir tanks store the town's drinking water.

KNX News' Pete Demetriou spoke with Santa Paula Chief of Police Don Aguilar, who said, "We found some clothing nearby and indications that the reservoir had been opened in a tiny area."


Aguilar said that while his team had investigated the scene for trespassing, they could not locate any potential suspects and will continue to search.

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According to Aguilar the local water company, in conjunction with the city of Santa Paula water service, is working with the state to conduct testing to determine what level of contamination, if any, is present in the water.

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For now, roughly a third to half of the city has been advised to refrain from drinking or cooking with tap water. They are permitted to use it for bathing.

Officials hope that if the water tests are free of contaminants, they can lift the restrictions in the next 24 to 36 hours.

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