In the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires, many people—including city officials—described the aftermath as being like a bomb had detonated. Not only have buildings been destroyed, but underground, melted plastic and a slurry of ash and debris threaten to end up in the maze of pipes that transport fresh drinking water, contaminating the municipal water supply.
Residents in affected areas have been placed under unsafe water advisories, being instructed not to drink the tap water until further notice. How long drinking water will remain unsafe for residents is still unclear, says Faith Kearns, scientist and director of research communications with the Arizona Water