Copyright Newsweek
Officials issued a boil water advisory for the affluent Incline Village, a wealthy Lake Tahoe community, warning the California tech elites who live there not to drink the water amid concerns it could be contaminated with fecal matter. Newsweek reached out to Incline Village by email for comment. Why It Matters Incline Village is a prominent and affluent community on the north shore of Lake Tahoe in Nevada. Several California billionaires live there, including Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, Workday co-founder David Duffield, and Sun Microsystems co-founder Andy Bechtolsheim, according to Gizmodo, drawn by the lower taxes and picturesque scenery. Community officials have issued a precautionary boil water notice after a water main break led to a loss of pressure, posing a risk of contamination to the public water supply. The advisory warns of safety implications for both local residents and high-profile homeowners. Water quality emergencies have far-reaching health implications, regardless of socio-economic status, highlighting the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in even the wealthiest communities. What To Know The Incline Village General Improvement District (GID) issued a precautionary boil water notice on November 3 after a water main break caused a significant pressure loss in the distribution system. The affected areas include Lariat Way, Lariat Circle, 553-681 Tyner Way, Doeskin Court, Rockrose Court, Alden Way, and Dale Drive. Officials warned that this loss of pressure may allow contaminants, including fecal material and disease-causing organisms, to enter the water supply through cracks or joints in the pipes. Residents in the designated zones have been advised not to drink tap water unless it has been brought to a rolling boil for at least three minutes, or to rely exclusively on bottled water until further notice. "Do not drink the water without boiling it first. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for three minutes...and let it cool before using, or use bottled water," the advisory said. "Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and preparing food until further notice." Health officials caution that untreated water may contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause gastrointestinal illnesses. Symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other ailments. Those experiencing symptoms are urged to seek medical attention. Repairs are underway, and water quality testing is ongoing. The advisory was issued as a standard safety protocol and not due to confirmed contamination. What People Are Saying Incline Village GID in a public works alert: "The crew is responding to a water leak in the Tyner/Lariat Circle area. Homes in this area will experience intermittent water shutoffs throughout the day." The boil water advisory stated: "Incline Village GID water system experienced an event that resulted in loss of pressure in the distribution system, which may cause backpressure, backsiphonage, or a net movement of water from outside the pipe to the inside through cracks, breaks, or joints in the distribution system that are common in all water systems. The advisory added: "Such a system failure carries with it a high potential that fecal contamination or other disease-causing organisms could enter the distribution system. These conditions may pose an imminent and substantial health endangerment to persons served by the system." What Happens Next Incline Village officials expect to resolve the problem and restore safe drinking water by Thursday, pending the results of ongoing laboratory testing. Residents will be immediately notified when water samples confirm the absence of bacteria and the community can safely resume normal water use. Until the advisory is lifted, all households and businesses in the affected areas are instructed to continue boiling or purchasing water and to monitor official channels for updates.
