State’s water quality alert in Mendocino sows confusion but no ongoing problems with town’s water

UPDATE 8 P.M. – After this story was published, the state water board provided copies of the citation and compliance orders issued to the three restaurants. Stefan Cajina, North Coastal Section Chief for the water board’s division of drinking water, clarified that the restaurants had all been disinfecting their water but had not installed water filtration systems. The orders require each restaurant to install a filtration system that meets state requirements. The restaurants have up to 90 days to submit proposals and until October 31, 2025, to implement the systems.

In the meantime, the restaurants are welcome to keep operating using water purchased from licensed suppliers, said Zachary Rounds, the Mendocino District Engineer for the drinking water division.