by Bakersfield, originally posted on June 25, 2016

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — People living near the area affected by the Erskine Fire have been advised to boil their water before use.

A boil water advisory has been issued for Cal Water customers in Squirrel Mountain, South Lake and Mountain Mesa.

The warning comes from the California Water Service and the State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water, who says to use bottled water or boiled tap water for drinking, preparing food and brushing teeth until further notice. Ice cubes made by refrigerators should be thrown away

The advisory, according to Cal Water, comes from the local loss of power and water pressure in the area.

“We apologize for the inconvenience it causes,” Cal Water Local Manager Chris Whitley said in a press release Friday. “We are issuing this as a precaution because protecting our customers’ health and safety with the drinking water supply is our highest priority.”

Cal Water says boiling water for one minute will kill bacteria and organisms in it. Tap water is safe for showering, bathing and other household uses.