A new main water line break caused by today’s storm has forced the Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District to issue a boil water order for most of its service area, expanding restrictions that had previously been limited to areas west of Sheep Creek Road.
At 5:55 p.m., the district announced that all PPHCSD customers are under the boil water order except those in Oak Springs Valley south of Mesquite Road and customers east of Tumbleweed Road.
As of about 5:30 p.m., a damaged section of water main left approximately 800 residents without water. District officials say about 60 feet of water line has been damaged and crews are currently working to repair it.
To keep water flowing while repairs are underway, the district has activated an emergency tie-in with Sheep Creek Water, allowing water to be routed into the PPHCSD system. That connection has restored water service to affected customers, but at lower pressure, meaning residents may notice reduced water flow at times.
Crews are working through the night to repair the damaged line and fully restore normal water service.
Because of the location of the break and the way water is being rerouted through the system, the district was required to issue a boil water order covering nearly the entire district. Under the order, residents should boil tap water for one minute before using it for drinking, brushing teeth, or food preparation, or use bottled water instead.
Bottled water will be available for PPHCSD customers beginning Thursday, Jan. 1, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Phelan Community Center, located at 4176 Warbler Road next to the district offices and the Phelan Community Park, and water will also be available at Mills Hardware at 4120 Phelan Road during normal business hours. The district is also working to secure additional bottled water for distribution.
The new break has also set back progress on the earlier boil water order that had been in place for areas west of Sheep Creek Road. Water samples had already been taken and sent for testing, and officials were preparing to lift that order on Thursday. However, because this new break requires a boil water order covering most of the district, the testing process will have to begin again.
Earlier Wednesday, the district announced that sand and sandbags are available to residents in anticipation of additional storms, with residents asked to bring their own shovels to fill the bags themselves.
A Care and Reception Center is also operating at the Phelan Piñon Hills Community Services District offices at 4176 Warbler Road to support residents impacted by the storm, with assistance from San Bernardino County departments including Transitional Assistance, Aging and Adult Services, Behavioral Health, Animal Care and the Department of Public Health. The center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Jan. 7, subject to change, and is providing water, solar chargers, lanterns, trash bags, sand, sandbags and personal protective equipment while supplies last.
District crews remain on emergency status as storms continue to move through the area and repairs are made.
