Hetch Hetchy Water Supply Threat From California Wildfire

One of the largest California wildfires in decades is continuing to rage in and around Yosemite National Park. The blaze now covers an area of 600 square kilometres. The Rim Fire has been raining ash on the Hetch Hetchy water reservoir that supplies the San Francisco Bay Area with water and hydro-electric power. Authorities have said that water can still be consumed.

Governor of California, Jerry Brown, declared a state of emergency in the city over the weekend.

The California Governor, Jerry Brown, said there is a concern “that as the months go on and the winter comes and the floods move all the ash and loose debris onto the water” it become contaminated.

More than 2,800 firefighters are battling the flames, which are being fanned by strong winds.

The wildfire has been burning out of control since August 17 and threatens around 5,000 homes.

Yosemite National Park remains open to the public.