The City of Bakersfield Water System has issued an urgent advisory for residents and businesses located in certain areas to avoid drinking or using tap water until further notice. This precautionary measure comes after oil contamination was discovered in the water distribution system.

Vice Mayor Andrae Gonzales released a statement urging residents in the affected areas, including Office Park Drive, Commercial Way, Commerce Drive, and Truxtun Avenue (between Mohawk Street and Westside Parkway), to strictly adhere to the advisory. It emphasized that failure to comply could result in potential health risks.

The contamination is believed to have originated from a private customer's property where oil backflowed into the water distribution system. However, the City's water system crews have promptly resolved the issue by disconnecting the affected service and initiating a thorough flushing process. This flushing process aims to eliminate any residual oil and ensure the restoration of water quality to acceptable levels.

To guarantee the safety of the water supply, the City of Bakersfield Water System will conduct extensive water quality testing to confirm that the oil contamination has been successfully eliminated. Public health officials are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates once the water quality test results are available.

Authorities are urging residents to refrain from consuming or using tap water until the advisory is lifted. In the meantime, alternative sources of water, such as bottled water, should be used for drinking, cooking, and other household needs.

The City of Bakersfield Water System is committed to ensuring the well-being of its residents, and a comprehensive plan is in place to address the contamination issue. Further updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available. It is strongly advised to follow official notices regarding the safety of tap water in the affected areas to prevent any potential health complications.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to contact the City of Bakersfield Water System with any questions or concerns regarding the advisory. As the flushing process and water quality testing progress, the City will work diligently to resolve the issue and restore water services to normal as soon as possible.