The San Jose Water Company on Tuesday reiterated that the water from those pipes is not drinking water. Large scale fire suppression systems are required by code and regulation to be separated from potable water systems by backflow devices, the agency said in a statement. There is potential degradation of quality both from stagnation of the water in the pipes, and from potentially different plumbing materials not certified for use in drinking water. It should not be considered potable and carries potential risk.
Adriana Flores said everyone got in line for water, not just them, but she said her family only used the water to fill the toilet and wash dishes.