Capitola Beach closed after 9 children sickened by E. coli outbreak: health officials

HEALTH & FITNESS Capitola Beach closed after 9 children sickened by E. coli outbreak: health officials Capitola Beach in Santa Cruz Co. is temporarily closed due to an outbreak of E. coli that has sickened children across the Bay Area, officials said. By Dustin Dorsey Thursday, November 12, 2026 12:10AM Share CAPITOLA, Calif. (KGO) -- Hundreds of residents in west San Martin are without safe drinking water after E. coli contamination was detected in the water supply, prompting a boil water advisory for customers in a portion of the community. The affected area is west of Highway 101, along and between Monterey Road and Santa Teresa Boulevard. The area is identified as Zone 1 for California American Water customers. For residents, the advisory has disrupted a basic necessity. "Boom. Your water is contaminated," resident Troylynn said. Gregory Hendrick, who lives near an American Water well, said he and several neighbors believe they became ill after consuming contaminated water. "Last week I was super sick - vomiting, diarrhea. My neighbor right here, they have a small child, they've all been sick as well - same symptoms. The neighbors across the street has a wife that's nine months pregnant right now - due this week. And she was in the hospital last week," Hendrick said. Under the advisory, residents are being asked to use only bottled or boiled water for drinking, cooking, preparing ice or food, and brushing their teeth. The water company says tap water remains safe for bathing, washing and other common household uses. The water system is undergoing a chlorination process, but the American Water website does not provide a timeline for when that work will be completed. The company took over as the water retailer sometime last year, though they serve several other Bay Area communities. Officials require two negative tests taken 48 hours apart before the advisory can be lifted. As a result, residents will likely remain without safe drinking water for the rest of the week. Apple employee charged with murder after crashing into car at nearly 100 mph killing toddler Charges filed against alleged SF squatter with stay-away order from reentering $4M Sea Cliff home Level 2 storm to bring rain, dangerous surf to Bay Area and more than a foot of snow to the Sierra Hendrick said residents are seeking answers about the contamination and its long-term implications. "This is a mostly a small community with families and small children here. It's not cool. This is just can't last. And then even if we get water back, then what? Like, how do we know?" Hendrick said. Customers who need water can pick up cases at the Animal Services Center from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily until the issue is resolved. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics HEALTH & FITNESS CAPITOLA BEACHES E. COLI SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Live Streams ON NOW Apple employee charged with murder after crash that killed toddler Charges filed against alleged SF Sea Cliff home squatter Level 2 storm to bring rain, dangerous surf to Bay Area SS United States updates: All valves open as sinking process continues 10 minutes ago Hegseth's group admonished at Tomb of the Unknowns during Veterans Day visit 2 hours ago