Ventura neighborhood warned not to use tap water after gasoline found in drinking supply

VENTURA, Calif. (KABC) -- The city of Ventura Tuesday warned residents in the Pierpont neighborhood not to use tap water after gasoline was found in the city's drinking water.

The city's water may be contaminated with gasoline near Harbor Boulevard and Monmouth Way, an area where a gas leak affected the sewer line and storm drain last year.

The initial impacted area is estimated from San Pedro to Peninsula Street.

City leaders say residents can flush toilets but not use tap water to wash, cook, or drink until further notice.

Some residents say they are canceling their Thanksgiving plans.

"Everything's canceled," Pierpont resident Pat Patterson said. "We had two couples coming for three days and they invited us down to their place but no, we need to stay here and see what is going on. So that's our Thanksgiving."

City leaders say only bottled water should be used for drinking, brushing teeth, washing dishes, making ice, food prep and bathing.

Officials urge residents not to try to treat the water themselves, adding that boiling, freezing, filtering or adding disinfectants will not make it safe.

Residents will be notified when testing confirms the water is safe again, city leaders said.

Meanwhile, potable water will be available at the following locations:

• The City Maintenance Yard, 336 Sanjon Road (24/7 availability)
• Marina Park, 2950 Pierpont Blvd (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

The limit is 5 gallons per family per day.