Tahoe water supplies threatened by MTBE contamination

Seven of the district's ground water wells were closed after unacceptable levels of the fuel additive MTBE were found. Officials say two more wells are threatened by underground plumes of contaminants.

"We're running our remaining 27 wells at maximum capacity, but we've come to the point when we really need the public's assistance in water conservation," said utility spokeswoman Dawn Forsythe. "There's no way we can turn those seven wells back on as long as the MTBE threat of contamination continues."

Forsythe said the district is trying to limit use of one of its larger wells, the Paloma Well, because of fears that active pumping could draw contamination closer.

"We're only using it when absolutely necessary," she said. "If we have to use it, there would be more of a chance it will be polluted. Then we'd be in a critical situation."

The restrictions limit lawn watering to nighttime hours and prohibits the washing down of driveways, tennis courts or other paved areas except in emergency situations or for sanitary hazards.

Watering anytime is allowed if hand-held hoses, buckets or drip irrigation systems are used, and people washing their cars must use a bucket and shut-off hose nozzle.

Water is restaurants will only be served if customers ask for it.

Violators will be warned for the first offense. After that, the utility can levy a surcharge based on a percentage of the violator's previous water bill.

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