Water Distribution from Well #3 (Uranium Contamination)

Due to the high water demand throughout the Fourth of July weekend, the Tahoe Keys Water Company (TKWC) is providing water from the TKWC Well #1, Lukins Brothers Water Company (LBWC) Inter-Tie, South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) Inter-Tie and TKWC Well #3, in this order.

The TKWC Well #3 is currently providing water that is more than the Maximum Contamination Level (MCL) for Uranium that is determined safe by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) – Division of Drinking Water. The use of Well #3 water will vary throughout the time period of July 3rd, 2021 until July 12th, 2021, based on the water demand.

The SWRCB has provided guidance that providing water from these five sources (including Well #3) is the recommended current operation of the TKWC [ID# 0910015], rather than risk a low pressure event in the water system that would create boil water conditions. Even with the current Prohibition of Landscape Irrigation Rule the TKWC is unable to guarantee consistent water distribution without all five sources available for utilization.

The naturally occurring Uranium that has been detected in our TKWC Distribution System has required the shutdown of TKWC Well #2 through a SWRCB issued Citation (No. 01-09-21C-001) and based on recent test results a shutdown of Well #3 in the upcoming week is expected. Well #3 tested at 36 ppb on July 2nd, 2021, the MCL limit is 30 ppb.

The TKWC Staff will continue to monitor the Water Distribution System to minimize the use of the TKWC Well #3 through the time period of July 3rd, 2021 until July 12th, 2021, through manually operating the system.

Be assured the TKPOA is taking these unfortunate circumstances very seriously, and the TKWC has been in the process implementing the approved short term and intermediate plans to provide consistent water distribution that meet all SWRCB requirements. The TKWC expects this implementation completed by the end of July.

This notification is being provided to the TKPOA Property Owners and their guests, so they can make informed decisions regarding their water use and water conservation throughout this time period.

Additional Information

Any additional questions can be answered by contacting the TKPOA Front Desk at 530-542-6444 Monday through Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Also, visit the TKPOA website at www.tkpoa.com. For additional assistance please contact TKPOA Security at 530-545-0847.
For more information contact the TKPOA Water Company at (530) 542-6451. For any Water-related emergencies please contact our 24-hour number at (530) 318-4268.