East Hanford residents relying on temporary water hook-up

HANFORD, Calif. (KFSN) -- 140 people in East Hanford are on notice to boil their water before they drink it -- after the community's well ran dry. Officials are now looking for a permanent solution to get them a more reliable water source.

Drought conditions have forced people in the small community of Hamblin in East Hanford to rely on a 150-foot long hook up through a fire hose to the city of Hanford's water system.

Hamblin has relied on its 226-foot deep well for years, and have enjoyed the taste and smell of the drinking water. Officials are in the process of hooking up permanently to the city of Hanford's system.

Some, residents are worried about the changes since the city's water is higher in sulfur. Also, there's the cost of connecting to the new system.

"There are so many people that are on the fringe economically of surviving," said Alfred Benavides. "Either you pay your utilities or pay your food and then if you're expected to pay $100 or $1,000 for installation."

The cost could be small when compared to the risk of going completely without water, should drought conditions worsen.

Officials have ordered residents not to drink the water or boil it first, until health department tests prove the water is safe to drink.

The connection to the city of Hanford's water system is expected to happen by December.