BENICIA — A water line was damaged Wednesday in Benicia, leading the city to call for an immediate reduction in water use.
The city issued a “stage 4 critical water shortage alert,” which requires a 40% cutback in water use citywide. It applies to all residents, schools, businesses, community organizations and other facilities.
Residents can conserve water by running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads, limiting showers to no more than five minutes, and stopping all non-essential water use. No car washing or pool filling is permitted under the alert.
The incident happened near Goodyear Road and Morrow Lane, and is unrelated to a similar incident in 2023 near Interstate 680 and Gold Hill Road, the city said in a news release.
Public works crews are assessing the damage and working with contractors to make repairs.
The city, meanwhile, will rely on its secondary water source, Lake Herman. Water from the lake “may occasionally have a natural, earthy taste or odor due to organic compounds,” but it is safe to drink and “meets all state and federal water quality standards,” the city said.
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