NewsABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)November 12, 2026San Francisco County
E. coli contamination prompts boil water advisory for west San Martin residents
Photo: ABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)
Hundreds of California American Water customers in west San Martin are placed under a boil water advisory after E. coli contamination was detected in the local water supply. Residents are instructed to use only boiled or bottled water for drinking, food preparation, and brushing teeth while the water system undergoes chlorination. Officials require two negative tests taken 48 hours apart before the advisory can be lifted, leaving residents without safe drinking water for at least the rest of the week.
Read the full story at ABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)Why It Matters
Residents in the affected zone west of Highway 101 must alter daily routines to boil or purchase drinking water, and some community members report falling ill with gastrointestinal symptoms.
Key Facts
- A boil water advisory was issued for Zone 1 California American Water customers in west San Martin due to E. coli contamination.
- The affected zone is located west of Highway 101, along and between Monterey Road and Santa Teresa Boulevard.
- Residents are advised to use bottled or boiled water for drinking, cooking, preparing ice or food, and brushing teeth.
- Tap water remains approved by the water company for bathing, washing, and other common household uses.
- The water system is currently undergoing a chlorination process.
- Lifting the advisory requires two consecutive negative tests taken 48 hours apart.
- Free cases of drinking water are available for pickup at the Animal Services Center from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
- Several residents reported falling ill with vomiting and diarrhea prior to or during the advisory.
- California American Water took over as the local water retailer last year.
Who's Mentioned
PersonGregory Hendrick“local resident interviewed”PersonTroylynn“local resident interviewed”locationSanta Teresa Boulevard“boundary reference for the affected area”locationMonterey Road“boundary reference for the affected area”OrganizationAnimal Services Center“location where bottled water cases are distributed”OrganizationCalifornia American Water“water retailer serving the affected zone”locationSan Martin“community affected by the boil water advisory”locationHighway 101“boundary reference for the affected area”locationCapitola Beach“location mentioned in a separate E. coli outbreak context”