Lake Tahoe Billionaires Might Be Drinking Contaminated Water
Incline Village, a Lake Tahoe area known for its extremely conservative billionaires, is facing a serious plumbing issue. According to a report by SFGate, the Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) issued a warning on November 3 about a loss of pressure in the water distribution system.
This event could have allowed contaminants, including fecal matter and disease-causing organisms, to enter the local water supply. Simply put, residents might have bacteria in their bathwater.
Health Advisory for Residents
Residents in the affected area were instructed to boil their water for at least three minutes before using it for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth. The advisory pointed out that untreated water may contain parasites, viruses, and bacteria causing nausea, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
Official Statement and Precautions
Although alarming, IVGID officials emphasized that the warning is precautionary. There is no confirmed evidence yet that fecal contamination has actually entered the water system.
“An event that resulted in loss of pressure in the distribution system” could have allowed contaminants, including fecal matter and disease-causing organisms, into the local water supply.
Similar Issues in Other Wealthy Areas
This isn’t the first time that septic problems have affected ultra-rich communities. Earlier this summer, a billionaire enclave in Miami also faced contamination issues linked to their local municipality, pushing political allies to resolve the problem.
Potential Impact
- Residents advised to boil water before use
- Possible health risks include nausea and diarrhea
- Increased demand for bottled water expected
It is likely that sales of bottled water brands, like Saratoga Springs, will rise as residents seek safer alternatives.