The Region : 8 San Gabriel Valley Wells Shut Down

Eight wells in the San Gabriel Valley have been closed because of contamination by chlorinated industrial solvents, the state Department of Health Services reported. Two of the wells are owned by California American Water Co. in El Monte, which serves 45,000 people in and around the city. The remaining six wells are owned by San Gabriel Valley Water Co., which serves about 140,000 people throughout the valley. Both water companies are treating the water from their remaining wells to dilute any concentrations of chemicals. The San Gabriel Valley water basin has been the site of extensive testing by the state agency for several years because of contamination from industrial solvents and other chemicals. The source of the contamination is not known, state health officials said.