More Than 100 Homes Without Potable Water in Pleasanton Ridge

City officials have told the people living in 160 homes in Pleasanton Ridge not to use their tap water until at least Sunday.

The recommendation was given after a large water main was damaged early today by a landslide caused by the recent rains.

City crews are working to repair the line, but it may take the entire weekend or beyond to fix it.

“Right now we are hoping to bridge a temporary repair sometime over the next 24 to 48 hours, but this is a difficult fix in a challenging and steep terrain. Another storm could extend this effort even further if we have to contend with inclement weather,” said Daniel Smith, the director of operation services for the city of Pleasanton.

The homes affected are in the upper Kilkare Canyon region near Sunol. About 20 homes on upper Longview Drive as well as parts of Santos Ranch Road are among those affected, Smith said.

Reports of the broken line came in Friday morning. Smith said the storm saturated the ground resulting in mud sliding to the west of the Pleasanton ridge. Once it moved, it took the line with it, he added.

While it's too early how much damage has been done financially, Smith was sure that "it's going to be an expensive fix."

City officials say while the homes' tap water hasn't been deemed contaminated, residents are being advised to discontinue water use until test results are available on Sunday.

Sonja Cuffe, a resident of one of the Pleasanton homes affected, said city officials began notifying residents around 10 a.m.

"The water is not tainted. It's working fine," said Cuffe, clarifying that there is still running water within the home.

Cuffe said city officials insisted that residents avoid drinking the water until it is tested.

Smith said, "In all affected areas, conserve water and don't drink the water."

City officials also released the following recommendations.

• If the water looks cloudy or dirty, you should not drink it.  Upon return of normal water service, you should flush the hot and cold water lines until the water appears clear and the water quality returns to normal.
• If you are experiencing water outages or low water pressure, immediately discontinue any non-essential water usage.  This includes all outdoor irrigation and car washing.  Minimizing usage will reduce the potential for the water system to lose pressure or completely run out of water.
• If you are concerned about the water quality or are uncertain of its safety, you may add eight drops of household bleach to one gallon of water and let it sit for 30 minutes or alternatively, if you are able, water can be boiled for one minute at a rolling boil to ensure its safety. Use of home treatment devices does not guarantee the water supply is safe after low pressure situations.

More information can be obtained by calling 925-931-5501.

Updated as of 6:57 p.m., Friday.