PCE Factsheet FINALFACT SHEET: Groundwater Contamination at South Tahoe “Y”
In South Lake Tahoe, the primary source of drinking water is groundwater. In 1989, the
contaminant tetrachloroethylene (PCE) was first found in drinking water wells near the
intersection of Highways 50 and 89, referred to as the South “Y”. Today, the PCE remains in
groundwater and forms a contaminant plume believed to cover more than 400 acres. PCE is a
manmade chemical that was used from the early 1960s through the mid-1980s as a solvent for
dry cleaning clothes and degreasing metal. During the late 1980s, concerns about the toxicity of
PCE led Federal and State environmental agencies to list PCE as a probable carcinogen and as a
toxic pollutant. Presently, five public drinking water wells have been impacted by the South “Y”
PCE Plume. When PCE is detected in a well, the well is shut down and treatment is added to
remove the contaminant, or an alternative source of drinking water supply is provided. Water
providers in South Tahoe are working together to protect and sustain our groundwater to make
sure you have safe drinking water.
How would I be exposed to PCE?
Exposure to PCE typically occurs from breathing contaminated air, drinking contaminated water
or eating food contaminated with PCE. PCE can get into drinking water when it is spilled or
improperly disposed of and leaches into groundwater. Established drinking water standards and
regular water quality testing by water providers are used to ensure our water is safe to drink.
Where is PCE in South Lake Tahoe?
The South “Y” Plume extends north
from the South “Y” to the Tahoe Keys,
and toward Lake Tahoe. Groundwater
used by wells operated by the Lukins
Brothers Water Company (LBWC) and
Tahoe Keys Property Owners
Association (TKPOA) are currently
impacted by the plume. During the
1990s, the South Tahoe Public Utility
District (STPUD) installed a treatment
facility to remove PCE from four
drinking water wells. Today, three of
the wells have been destroyed and the
remaining well is currently not used. In
2009, TKPOA installed a treatment
system to remove PCE from
groundwater at one of its wells. In
2014, Lukins discovered PCE in two
wells and immediately stopped using
them. All three drinking water systems
are interconnected and the water
providers have the ability to share
water and are working together to
ensure our entire community has
access to reliable and safe drinking
water.
FACT SHEET: Groundwater Contamination at South Tahoe “Y”
What is being done about PCE?
The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board is the state regulatory agency which
oversees the cleanup of contaminated groundwater. Lahontan has conducted numerous
investigations to determine the source of PCE and is working with the responsible parties to
determine the total extent of their contamination. The South Tahoe water providers are
working together to develop and implement short-term fixes and long-term solutions to
provide clean drinking water to our community. To date, the water providers have secured a
$500,000 grant from the State Water Resources Control Board to complete a feasibility study
that will help to identify potential alternatives for addressing contamination from the South Y
Plume.
Food for thought
In Tahoe, historically, we have had some of the most pristine drinking water in the world. Water
providers in South Lake are working together to ensure every drop of water that flows from
your tap is safe.
For more information go to www.stpud.us/groundwater