Residents of west Goshen again have running water to their homes but are being told not to drink it until bacteria levels go down.

The tap water contains non-fecal coliform found in soil that entered the system through broken well pipes, said Jessi Snyder, community development specialist at Self-Help Enterprises in Visalia, which is trying to help the community find a permanent fix.

Water lines are being flushed and the water chlorinated to bring total coliform to acceptable levels, she said.

But West Goshen Mutual Water Co.'s aging system is falling apart. The company has two 50-year-old wells that are "at the end of their useful life," Snyder said. One is considered unrepairable, while the other has been temporarily fixed.

Snyder said the area of 80 homes west of Goshen needs two new wells -- a primary well and a backup. Another possibility is hooking up to California Water Service Co. lines in Goshen, about a mile and half away.

Both options are being explored and meetings are taking place with Cal Water. Homes must be fitted with water meters if Cal Water takes over the service, she said.

Non-profit Self-Help Enterprises is helping West Goshen Mutual, which is run by volunteer board members, in seeking state and federal loans or grants.

The crisis started last week when a well pump failed and residents went without running water for two days. For now, tap water can be used for showers, laundry, flushing and cooking.

The Tulare County Office of Emergency Services has been supplying bottled water for drinking.