Luis Hernandez Tulare’s water system failed to meet state water drinking standards, city officials reported in a letter sent to residents this week.
It could take three years to completely clear the cancer-causing contaminant from Tulare’s water supply, city officials said.
Tulare water customers don’t have to find an alternative drinking water source, said Trish Whitfield, Tulare public works director.
Some took to social media and said they’d be buying bottled water until the water meets standards.
In total, 17,885 Tulare water customers should receive the letter.
However, those who consume water with exceeded levels of 1,2,3-TCP for a long period of time have an increased risk of getting cancer, according to reports.
Tim Doyle, Tulare’s water utility manager, said consumers would have to drink 2 liters of water at the maximum level for 70 years to increase the health risk.
Long-term exposure has led to liver and kidney damage and reduced body weight in animals studied.
In 1999, 1-2,3 TCP was regulated with the current 0.005-micrograms per liter standard.
City administrators will deal with wells showing the highest levels of 1,2,3 TCP, Doyle said.