Residents and businesses in parts of Escondido, including Palomar Medical Center, were told Friday to boil water for the next 48 hours due to coliform bacterial contamination.
The Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District issued the order at 4 p.m. Friday using reverse 911 calls. Customers affected are those with account numbers beginning with the following two digits: 01 – 48, 94, 96, and 97.
“Our crew is currently in the field taking new samples and performing an investigation of the situation. We will update our customers as information becomes available,” the district said in a statement.
Palomar Health said it discontinued the use of tap water at the hospital, shutting off all ice machines, water dispensers, coffee makers and eye wash stations. Bottled-water and bags of ice were being distributed as needed. Paper and plastic utensils were being used for food.
“At this time, no services have been interrupted. The boil water order” does not affect any other Palomar Health patient locations,” Palomr Health said in a statement.
The Rincon del Diablo district provides water to parts of Escondido, primarily west of Interstate 15, not served by the City of Escondido.
