They can't wash, flush or bathe. Hundreds of people in a Tustin condominium complex were without water for days.
There is talk of bringing in porta potties so people have a bathroom.
Marisol Manjarrez is getting "water from the well," from the pool that she uses to fill up her five-gallon bucket two or three times a day for the toilet.
The water was shut off to all 130 condos at Tustin Park Villas Wednesday. Since then, residents say they've had to find ways around life without H2O.
Craig Enloe called NBC4 out of frustration.
"You don't know how much you use your water ... you've got the toilets, you've got the waste," he said. "None of us have had showers in a couple days."
But for David Ward the issue is even more of a challenge. His home was built for his needs. He's in a wheelchair.
"I might have to get a hotel room just so I can take a shower or something," Ward said.
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The building is 50-year-old water line sprung a leak. Then plumbers learned the concrete around it contained asbestos. Another crew had to be called in. When the water was turned on again, they found another leak.
The management company sent emails to residents, telling them "the repair is complicated and to please be patient."
Postings on the Tustin Park Villas Facebook site also explain the day-by-day setbacks.
One family came to move their elderly mother out of her condo. Others are buying water but say that gets expensive.
"We're patient, but ... patience only goes so far," said "It really needs to be taken care of."
In one of the letters to the residents the management company said this might be a good test in case of a real emergency, telling them they should always have a three-day supply of water.
A board member said crews were working on the problem, saying "this is an old building."
