A ruptured 16-inch Lake County Sanitation District force main in Clearlake on Sunday caused a sewer system failure, contaminating wells and affecting 58 properties. The spill was stopped Monday night after four days of round-the-clock work. County officials held a town hall on Wednesday evening to update residents. Health officials advised temporary relocation, especially for vulnerable populations, due to well contamination. While permanent aquifer damage is “highly unlikely,” recovery is expected over time. The county is providing a shower trailer and potable water. Decontamination is underway, and 75 water samples have been taken, prioritizing testing in the Robin Lane area. Many older wells lack modern sanitary seals, increasing vulnerability. Officials are developing a long-term monitoring plan. Residents on private wells must relocate until wells are safe or contact Special Districts for 60 gallons of safe water per person daily.