Alameda Point residents told to not drink tap water

Residents of Alameda Point were warned Tuesday not to drink, wash dishes, cook or brush their teeth using tap water after contaminants were found in the water supply.

The City of Alameda issued a 48-hour water quality alert in the area that encompasses the former Alameda Naval Air Station after testing by the East Bay Municipal Utility District confirmed that the tap water was not fit to drink.

The restrictions apply only to Alameda Point, where the water supply system relies on old Navy infrastructure and pipelines, according to an Alameda Police Department advisory.

Crews began flushing the system Tuesday in an attempt to restore water quality to the distribution system. Residents of the area should not drink from faucets or allow pets to consume the water until utility district officials identify the source of the problem, according to the advisory.

City officials said they will provide bottled water to residents at the Alameda Point Collaborative Office, on 677 W. Ranger Avenue until the situation is resolved.

Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @pfimrite