Health officials are telling people in Alamosa to stop drinking or cooking with city tap water due to an outbreak of salmonella.

The warning was issued Wednesday after tap water samples tested positive for the bacterial contamination. State health officials say 33 cases of salmonella have been linked to the outbreak, and 46 reports are being investigated.

It could at least a week to flush out and disinfect the water system. In the meantime, officials advise reisdents to use bottled water instead.

The Care and Share Food Bank began donating water right away after the warning was issued. They have already donated thousands of bottles of water, totalling 1200 gallons, but they say it's just not enough. They estimate their donations will only last the residents of Alamosa for a single afternoon. If everyone in Alamosa was to drink the 64 ounces of water a day you are supposed to, they would need more than 3,000 gallons of water a day, just for drinking.

Care and Share is accepting donations from those wishing to help the residents of Alamosa. Their facility is located at 2520 Aviation Way.

Restaurants are being urged to serve only bottled water and use ice from suppliers or made from bottled water.