The city of Benicia’s drinking water line has experienced significant damage and all residents are required to reduce their water use “immediately,” the city said Wednesday evening.
In response to the situation, the city has declared a Stage 4 “Critical Water Shortage” alert, requiring a 40% reduction in water use citywide.
Public works crews are assessing the damage and working with contractors to restore the water line as quickly as possible, the city said.
Residents, businesses, schools, community organizations and other facilities are all required to reduce their water use. This can be done by reducing showers to under five minutes, only running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads, and stopping all non-essential outdoor water use, the city said. No car washing or pool filling should be done during this time.
The damage occurred near Goodyear Road and Morrow Lane and is unrelated to the 2023 incident near Interstate Highway 680 and Gold Hill Road, which also affected the city’s water supply.
To support repair efforts and ensure public safety, traffic will continue to be detoured via Parish Road until all work is completed, according to the city.
During this time, Benicia will rely on its secondary water source, Lake Herman.
“While water from Lake Herman may occasionally have a natural, earthy taste or odor due to organic compounds, it remains safe to drink and fully meets all State and Federal water quality standards,” the city said.