Southern California city water leak affects thousands

REDLANDS, Calif. (AP) - Thousands of residents of the Southern California city of Redlands were urged to conserve water Tuesday due to huge leak in the distribution system.

The leak was spilling about 5 million gallons (19 million liters) a day, causing low water pressure, a city statement said.

The affected area covered between 6,000 and 8,000 customer accounts, totaling about 23,000 people.

The leak began Monday and on Tuesday crews identified the source as a transmission line at a pumping station.

Reservoirs remained low due to loss of water.

The city said water quality was not immediately affected, but a boil-water notice would be issued if water pressure dropped below a critical level.

Repairs were expected to take several days.

Redlands, about 60 miles (96.5 kilometers) east of Los Angeles, has about 71, 500 residents.