UPDATE: San Mateo County officials are urgently calling on residents of Pescadero to report unsafe drinking water following alarming findings about water quality in the rural coastal town. This plea comes as many community members, particularly non-English-speaking farmworkers, fear repercussions from ICE raids, which has made them hesitant to voice their concerns.
In light of a recent report by the Bay Area News Group, county leaders emphasized that residents can report water issues confidentially without fear of being questioned about their immigration status. “Every resident should be able to turn on the tap with confidence that their water is safe to drink,” stated Supervisor Ray Mueller, who represents the area.
The county’s initiative includes free home inspections, a dedicated hotline at 650-599-1112 for reporting issues, and bilingual materials distributed through local organizations such as Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS). Residents can also access no-cost testing of water sources, including wells and creeks, as part of the effort to tackle ongoing water quality concerns.
Residents’ fears are compounded by the challenges posed by limited affordable housing in the region. Many farmworkers worry that reporting unsafe conditions could lead to eviction or declaring their homes uninhabitable. “The sole focus is on health and safety,” said county spokesperson Effie Milionis Verducci, reinforcing that any form of landlord retaliation is illegal.
Community activists, including Sandra Sencion, farmworker director at ALAS, are actively working to build trust within the community. ALAS has been distributing county-issued cards that inform residents of their rights regarding water safety. Sencion emphasized the importance of creating a safe space for people to seek help during crises.
The county’s Environmental Health Services is responsible for overseeing drinking water systems in areas without municipal supplies. They confirm that each residential water supply must meet safety standards and take action if contamination persists. “When a residential construction is finalized, its water supply is verified to be adequate,” Verducci explained.
Despite the urgency, clean water access issues in Pescadero are not new. Approximately 90 homes are connected to the community’s only clean water system, while over 200 households rely on private wells or creek water. Recent protests delayed a proposed rate hike that could have tripled costs for those connected to the community system.
With the county’s renewed focus on addressing these critical water safety issues, community members are hopeful for change. “It’s great that the county is looking into it now,” Sencion stated.
Residents are encouraged to take action and report any water quality concerns by calling 650-599-1112 or emailing [email protected]. Immediate community engagement and participation are essential to resolve these long-standing challenges and ensure safe drinking water for all.
