LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — As part of the ongoing response to the wastewater incident near Robin Lane in Clearlake, the county of Lake is implementing additional mitigation measures to protect public health and the environment.

County officials have confirmed that sewage entered the stormwater drainage system, leading to Burns Valley Creek. As a result, some raw sewage-contaminated water has leaked into Clear Lake.

The force main repair was completed late Monday night, the county reported.

While the immediate infrastructure issue has been addressed, mitigation, cleanup and monitoring efforts will continue as a precautionary measure.

The public is urged to use bottled water only and not use private well water in the affected area until further notice. Water provided by public water systems remains safe to use. 

Residents and visitors are also advised not to recreate in Burns Valley Creek or in any bodies of water between Robin Lane/Pond and Pamela/Old Highway 53.

Officials said residents with pets or animals within the impacted area who need water assistance may contact Lake County Special Districts 707-263-0119. Special Districts can dispatch a mobile water source as needed. Shower facilities and drinking water are also available through Special Districts for residents requiring access.

To address potential soil contamination, all affected soil areas will be treated with agricultural Lime, or aglime. Aglime is a natural, pulverized limestone material used to raise soil pH, and provide calcium and magnesium, helping reduce potential contamination impacts in affected soils. 

Residents may notice a white, chalk-like substance spread over affected soil areas as part of this treatment. Residents are advised to allow the aglime to absorb naturally into the soil and should not attempt to remove it.

For hard surfaces within the affected area, crews will apply Benefect Botanical Decon 30, a plant based, one 28step disinfectant cleaner commonly used in water damage restoration. 

Decon 30 is designed to kill 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, and mold and will be used to disinfect impacted hard surfaces as part of the cleanup process. Some areas may be sanitized using a dilute bleach solution. Efforts will be made to avoid use of bleach solution near residents and animals. 

County staff are continuing assessments and environmental monitoring. Well testing is currently in progress and will continue throughout the week. 

Additional public updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Residents with questions or concerns may contact Lake County Special Districts at 707-263-0119.