POWAY, Calif. (KGTV) — North County residents forced to use bottled water following a boil water advisory will have to wait a little longer to return to the tap.
The City of Poway issued a boil water advisory on Saturday after learning that a recent storm may have compromised the potable drinking water system. Tuesday, the city said two tests showed water meets industry standards and was absent of bacteria.
Though the tests are positive, the city says they will continue the advisory per state protocols. Officials were not able to offer a timeline as to when the advisory would be lifted. Poway had said the order could last up to five days.
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Until the advisory ends, residents should use bottled water or boil tap water for drinking or cooking. Officials say water should be boiled for a minute and that it's still safe to shower.
As the boil order continued Tuesday, many local small business owners are growing more concerned.
At Poway's Round Table Pizza, employees were able to operate on a limited menu and modified permit thanks to help from a neighboring location in Rancho Bernardo. They were one of the few local restaurants able to stay open.
But across town, Pacific Pizza owner John Crosser says he's lost thousands after having to throw out dough used with water before the order was issued Saturday.
"Trying to get things rolling, get cash flow rolling and stuff, and then when you lose two or three days of sales and then everybody still expects all their bills have to be paid, rent has to be paid ... if it continues it could be catastrophic, it really could," Crosser said.
Crosser says he's sanitized everything and is ready to reopen, but is still waiting for the green light from the city.
Bottled water will continue to be distributed at Lake Poway and City Hall from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Anyone who needs assistance can contact Public Works at 858-668-4700.
Click here for more information from the City of Poway on the advisory.
