El Monte

The state Department of Health Services has approved emergency funding to help the Richwood Mutual Water Co. provide service to its 200 customers. Richwood, which last month was ordered to shut off its water supply after it became contaminated, will temporarily connect its customers to the San Gabriel Water Co.

The cost of the temporary hookup is estimated at $10,000 to $15,000, a spokeswoman for Assemblywoman Sally Tanner (D-El Monte) said. Richwood, one of three small water companies here plagued with contamination from potentially carcinogenic chemicals, is on the federal Superfund list for cleanup, she said.