After previously hearing that a sniff test was all one needed to detect potentially dangerous levels of benzene or other contaminants in fire zone water, Butte County Health officials this week released strict guidelines suggesting authorities may have earlier played down risks.
In addition to warnings not to drink, cook, prepare food or brush teeth with the water the new directives highly recommends against bathing, using hot tubs or swimming pools filled with the water. Showers should be with lukewarm, instead of hot water, and done with open windows. The advisory also urges using cold water for laundry.
This morning I spoke briefly with Andrew Miller, Butte County’s Health Officer. He said the new guidelines were jointly developed by a water task force made up of federal and state officials, along with representatives from the county and affected districts.