SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif .– Residents of the Tahoe Keys have had months of limited water since water samples from November showed elevated levels of uranium.
A statement from the Tahoe Keys Water Company stated, “Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this is not an emergency, you, as our customer, have the right to know what to do, what has happened and what we are doing to correct this situation. “
The water samples showed uranium values of 28.2 picocuries per liter in well 2, which is above the permissible standard value of 20 pC / L /.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, areas with granite can be prone to uranium and radon levels.
“Granite, like any other stone, can contain veins containing naturally occurring radioactive elements such as uranium,” the EPA said, adding that uranium can be converted to radon gas.
TKWC took Well 2 offline while they meet with engineers and consultants about possible solutions. Meanwhile, Bruce Moon, a resident of Tahoe Keys, said residents had been banned from watering their countryside.
The South Tahoe Public Utility District is working to bring water to the Tahoe Keys while the problem is resolved.
“After modeling and doing field tests, we are currently in the process of modifying our system to deliver as much water as possible while maintaining adequate system pressure,” said Shelly Thomsen, public affairs and conservation manager at STPUD, in a Email. “Further improvements are likely to be needed in the future when expanded or long-term water supplies are required.”
The Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association has advised residents not to worry.
“This is not an immediate risk. If that had been the case, you would have been notified immediately, ”the communication said. “However, some people drink water that contains more uranium than that [maximum contaminant level] kidney problems or an increased risk of cancer may occur over many years. “
The Tribune will continue to update this evolving story.
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