Construction mishap leaves nearly 70 households in Mountain View without water

Nearly 70 households in Mountain View were left without water service after a construction mishap contaminated a water main on Friday.

It happened near Cuesta Drive. Initially, the city said those neighbors may be without safe drinking water until at least Monday. However, authorities later said households should be prepared for being without drinking water until mid-to-end of the week.

On Sunday, water was turned on for nearly all homes affected, but this was for toilet flushing only as officials warn residents not to use tap water for drinking, cooking, hand washing, bathing and other domestic uses.

“There was a water main incident yesterday involving a city contractor that caused some slurry mix to come into contact with a live water main,” Chief Communications Officer of the City of Mountain View Lenka Wright said.

Nearly 70 households in Mountain View were left without water service after a construction mishap contaminated a water main on Friday. Marianne Favro reports.

The city said the extended timeline for restoring safe drinking water is due to the two of the five water samples coming back positive for bacteria, and the crews resumed flushing activities with the intent to rid the isolated system of the bacteria.

Safety warnings were posted and city crews and the fire department went door to door delivering water to 67 impacted homes.

“I have drinking water and water to take care of the bathroom. But I can’t shower or wash dishes right now,” said Arthur Shurley, a neighbor.

The city also directed families to shower here at the Rengstorff Park Acquatics Center.

Some families said because they couldn’t use water to cook with, they opted to go out to dinner and they plan to do the same on Sunday, making the best of it.

City officials said those affected can stay at the following local hotels:

• Super 8 Mountain View, 1665 W El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA Phone: 650-969-9641
• Ramada by Wyndham Mountain View, 55 Fairchild Dr, Mountain View, CA Phone: 650-967-6856
• Days Inn Mountain View, 850 Leong Dr, Mountain View, CA Phone: 408-915-3669
• The Ameswell Hotel, (pet-friendly-extra fee) 800 Moffett Blvd, Mountain View, CA Phone: 650-880-1000

Officials said they also need to bring:

• A valid government-issued photo ID
• The ID must show an address that matches the impacted residence
• A credit card for incidental charges

The city said accommodations are available for eligible residents only and availability may vary. They also said residents need to inform the front desk they are part of the city’s temporary lodging program when checking in.