How to resolve AdBlock issue? LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Friday, the county released detailed water well testing data for the first time following the three-million-gallon sewage spill that began Sunday, Jan. 11, and has impacted part of Clearlake, reporting cleanup work was “nearing completion.”
According to the county’s Friday update, approximately 175 water samples had been collected and analyzed to date.
The update did not specify how many individual wells those samples were drawn from, nor how many tested positive for coliform and E. coli, which are water quality indicators of contamination by fecal bacteria.
During the Wednesday town hall held at Clearlake City Hall, Environmental Health Director Craig Wetherbee said the state’s requirement for a safe public water supply is zero detection for both indicators.
At that meeting, Wetherbee said 94 wells had been tested, with 39 wells found to be contaminated.
As well sanitization continued, the Friday update said 60 private wells had been sanitized, while 10 additional wells remained unsanitized. Of the 60 wells already sanitized, 55 had been tested again following treatment, according to the county.
“Test results from these wells are encouraging, with most samples showing no detectable contamination,” the county update said of the 55 wells being retested after sanitization.
“Eight wells at this time are still showing some level of contamination and will continue to receive follow-up attention, including additional testing and sanitization as needed,” the update said.
It was the first time that these specific data were released and included in the county’s written update for the public, 12 days after the spill began.
The update said Environmental Health will continue “working directly with affected well owners” about next steps and ensuring well water is safe before normal use resumes.
It did not include any language in the update for the public about if any water well in the areas had been proven safe.
As testing continues, the update said, “Results will be shared as they become available to help residents make informed decisions about their water use.”
As of Friday, the impacted area was reported to remain unchanged since Tuesday, encompassing areas east of Smith Lane, west of Old Highway 53, south of Pond Road and north of Bowers Avenue, totaling approximately 297 acres.
All public health advisories – including temporary relocation, a recommended minimum of 60 gallons of clean water per person per day for drinking, food preparation and laundry, as well as guidance to seek medical attention for certain symptoms – remain unchanged.
According to the update, residents may call Lake County Special Districts at 707-263-0119, which is now a 24/7 service line responding to questions and helping connect residents with available resources.
Special Districts: Water tanks to be installed, cleanup ‘nearing completion’
The multi-million-gallon sewage spill was caused by the rupture of a county-operated 16-inch force main near the northern end of Robin Lane. The force main is part of the Lake County Sanitation District system overseen by Lake County Special Districts.
The spill was reportedly stopped at 9:55 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12 – about 38 hours after it was first reported, according to county officials.
However, residents of the area, including Robin Lane resident Cassandra Hulbert, have disputed that information, posting videos and photographs on social media that they said showed the leak was still active at that time.
Special Districts reported on Friday that work to clean up the area was almost complete.
“Soil removal and remediation work is nearing completion, with crews finishing cleanup activities in impacted locations,” the update said.
The update reported “improved” road conditions and access for residents and response vehicles, as grading and graveling were completed along the route from Garner to Pamela.
Water delivery services are available for residents and animals. “A Water buffalo unit continues to be deployed to provide water for livestock,” the update said.
The county also announced that water tank installation is scheduled to begin on Monday.
On Wednesday, the Board of Supervisors approved a $750,000 budget resolution to purchase 60 water tanks – each holding 2,500 gallons – and to provide refilling services for affected households.
By the end of Wednesday, Special Districts Administrator Robin Borre said an order of 20 tanks was placed. The Friday update did not include numbers of water tanks ordered and received by the county.
Email staff reporter Lingzi Chen at
