Expert Warns of Water Contamination Threat in LA Following Wildfires
The wildfires in the Los Angeles area have destroyed thousands of structures, many of which were homes, and firefighters are still working to control the infernos. Parts of Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Pasadena, and other California communities are now left unrecognizable.
As evacuation orders are lifted, residents returning to their homes should prioritize ensuring access to safe drinking water.
What many people don’t realize is the extent to which wildfires can damage community drinking water systems, how this affects their water supply, and what they can do about it.
As an environmental engineer working with communities impacted by wildfires and other disasters, my team and I have assisted after some of the most destructive wildfires in U.S. history. In many cases, we’ve provided guidance to state and local officials remotely.
Several water systems in the Los Angeles area have already issued warnings about potentially unsafe drinking water. Here’s what residents, as well as anyone living near a wildfire, need to know.
How Fires Can Make Water Unsafe
Fires can compromise both drinking water and the infrastructure of water systems for several reasons.
One significant cause is the high water demand from firefighting efforts, which drains the water system.
Water systems aren’t designed to fight wildfires, and damaged or destroyed structures often lead to uncontrolled water leaks. Power outages also prevent water from being replenished quickly enough to meet the demand, causing water systems to lose pressure and sometimes leaving them completely drained.
When water levels drop, the system becomes vulnerable to chemical contamination.
Damage to water system infrastructure and contamination from the air can also contribute to unsafe water. Heat can partially melt plastic pipes and meters, releasing harmful chemicals. Smoke can infiltrate water systems, and breaks in the infrastructure can introduce contamination.
In some cases, cancer-causing chemicals such as benzene have been found in water systems after wildfires. These chemicals can cause immediate illness, with symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and rashes.
Chemicals can cling to surfaces inside the infrastructure and even penetrate certain plastics, making them harder to remove. This process may take days or even months, and some plastics absorb chemicals like a sponge, slowly releasing them back into the water, making it unsafe for long periods.
How Communities Can Reduce the Risk
Residents and businesses should stay informed through announcements from water providers and health officials about water safety.
Safety can be determined through proper chemical testing. Fortunately, the first-ever guide for responding to and recovering water systems after fires was published in 2024. Property owners can find more information from organizations like our research team at Purdue University.
When to Test and Treat Your Own Water
Caution is crucial when testing home drinking water.
After the 2023 wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, and the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California, I met with many households who spent hundreds to thousands of dollars hiring companies for water testing. However, many of the results were irrelevant. In some cases:
- Residents paid for analysis despite improperly handled samples.
- Contaminated water was discarded before sampling.
- Samples weren’t tested for fire-related chemicals.
- Incorrect or insufficient locations for samples were used.
It’s important not to treat water until contamination levels are confirmed. Many local water systems have issued such warnings.
Residents should also know that home water treatment devices are not certified to make severely contaminated water safe.
To guide property owners in making informed decisions, water utilities must quickly test and publicly report the chemicals present in the system. Once the testing is complete and risks are assessed, property owners may consider their own testing, especially if plumbing has been damaged or contaminated water has been introduced.
Water Systems Can Recover
While it can be frustrating to wait for results, it’s often unsafe for water officials to enter affected areas immediately after fires.
However, as history shows, safe water can be restored. Expert assistance has proven valuable in expediting recovery efforts. In my experience, communities that recover the fastest and strongest are those that collaborate and support each other throughout the process.
Read Original Article: Science Alert
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