Local & Community
New emergency drinking water order issued to the Oasis Mobile Home Park in Thermal
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a new emergency drinking water order to the Oasis Mobile Home Park in Thermal
The order calls on Oasis to comply with federal drinking water requirements and to identify and correct problems with its drinking water system that present a danger to the residents of the park.
The mobile home park must provide alternative drinking water, reduce the levels of arsenic in its distribution system and monitor the water for contamination.
EPA is also requiring Oasis Mobile Home Park to conduct a study to identify a long-term compliance option based around consolidating the current privately operated Oasis system to a local public water system.
“The Oasis residents must have access to safe drinking water,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud. “Given the latest sampling results, EPA has issued a new order to protect the mobile home park’s residents and ensure they get alternative drinking water until sustained compliance is achieved.”
The Oasis Mobile Home Park’s current drinking water system serves approximately 1,900 residents using groundwater that has naturally occurring arsenic.
In August 2019, EPA issued the first emergency order to the water system for failure to comply with the regulatory Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for arsenic, which is 10 parts per billion (ppb).
High Arsenic Levels in Water Prompts EPA Emergency Order to Thermal Mobile Home Park
Based on elevated arsenic samples taken by a community group, the system underwent additional sampling under EPA’s oversight at residential homes and water storage tanks during the week of August 24, 2020. The results identified arsenic levels ranging from 78 to 90 ppb. Oasis has also failed to properly maintain and operate its primary drinking water well and is currently using a backup well.
Arsenic, a naturally occurring mineral found throughout the United States, can be found in groundwater. Drinking high levels of arsenic over many years can increase the risk of lung, bladder, and skin cancers, as well as heart disease, diabetes, and neurological damage. Arsenic also inhibits the body’s ability to fight off cancer and other diseases.
The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians tribe has no direct control or ownership of the water system and has been consulted about the violations.
The new order, issued for failure to properly maintain and operate its primary drinking water well and distribution system, requires Oasis Mobile Home Park and its owner to:
- Provide at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day at no cost for every individual served by the system.
- Hire an outside consultant to assess the arsenic treatment and distribution systems.
- Submit a compliance plan for approval.
- Identify long-term compliance options for the system.
- Increase sampling and reporting of arsenic and iron levels throughout the distribution system.
Failure to comply with the EPA’s order could result in penalties levied against the Oasis Mobile Home Park of up to $23,963 per day.
This information is from The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
By: NBC Palm Springs
September 16, 2020
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1 Silias Bloodworth with the scoop and score, 2) Eusebio Gallo with the kickoff touchdown, 3) Keymorie Rogers with the throw on the run, 4) Damian Durinzi with the rushing TD, or 5) Mario Gallo with the dot towards the endzone #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
Hundreds gathered outside the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., for the “Hands Around the Kennedy Center” rally, protesting President Donald Trump’s handling of the performing arts center. The demonstration came after the Kennedy Center board voted to close the facility for repairs and amid an ongoing dispute over the center’s future. Actress and singer Lynda Carter was among those who addressed the crowd. apnews.com Watch the latest video on NBC Palm Springs.
Alice B. has announced it’s closing its doors. It’s cozy atmosphere and unique seasonal menu made it a must try and even landed it in the Michelin guide. @susanfeniger and @marysuemilliken left their mark on the desert over at Living Out and it will be missed. Here’s a clip from one of our last interviews with Susan.
Cathedral City City Council votes to rename “LGBT+ Days” to “Cathedral City Pride”. The council approved the change in a 5-0 vote during its latest meeting, updating the official name of the city’s annual celebration. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to see what this means to the Coachella Valley Community #CathedralCity #pride #CityCouncil #CoachellaValley #LocalNews
Discover the Coachella Valley with the Everything Palm Springs app. From iconic attractions and hidden gems to local restaurants, shops, entertainment and even filming locations, the map-based app is designed to help both visitors and locals find more of what the desert has to offer. Creator Lindsay Kinkle is also expanding the app with video tours and narrated guides, giving users another way to explore Palm Springs and the surrounding communities. Local businesses like Buena Matcha are also getting a chance to connect with new customers through the platform. As Lindsay says, there’s so much to do and enjoy here — you just have to know where to look. #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #EverythingPalmSprings #PalmSpringsApp #VisitPalmSprings DesertLife LocalBusiness CoachellaValleyBusiness NBCPalmSprings
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings