BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Bloomfield Township officials said a water main break Monday evening in West Bloomfield has left the vast majority of the township without water supply.
The township has declared a boil water advisory for those who do have water. About 75 percent of the township has been affected by the collapsed water line. Bloomfield Township residents have reported low water pressure or a complete loss of water.
Recommended Videos
Bloomfield Township released a map of the affected areas. You can see it below:
Boil water for at least 5 minutes
Township officials advise residents to boil water for at least 5 minutes to kill bacteria. The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) will be testing the water once the break is repaired, but there is no timetable for when the water will be safe to drink again without boiling.
However, West Bloomfield police said it could take 4-5 days for a fix.
Boil Water Advisory! Est at least 4-5 days in order to repairs and place entire water system of #WestBloomfield into a no boil water status.
— West Bloomfield PD (@WestBlmfldPD) October 24, 2017
Water distribution point
The township has set up a water distribution point for residents who need water and can't boil tap water. Residents are advised to go to the Bloomfield Township Senior Center located at 4315 Andover Road -- it's just west of Telegraph Road and south of Long Lake Road. This water distribution point is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Indentification is required.
Statement from GLWA
Here is the latest statement from GLWA on Tuesday morning:
Effective immediately, the Great Lakes Water Authority is issuing a MANDATORY Boil Water Advisory for the communities of Commerce Township, Farmington Hills (north of I-696), Novi (the area bounded by 14 Mile on the north, 8 mile on the south, Napier on the west and Haggerty on the east), Oakland Township (specifically the subdivisions: The Hills of Oakland and Kings Pointe), Rochester Hills (north of Hamlin and west of Livernois), Walled Lake, West Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Township (the area bounded by South Blvd. on the north, 14 Mile on the south, Inkster on the west and Adams Road on the East), and Wixom.
RESIDENTS SHOULD NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Residents must bring all water to a boil for at least one minute and then let it cool before using. Boiled, bottled or disinfected water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and preparing food until further notice.
GLWA is taking this precautionary measure due to a transmission main break that occurred at approximately 5:45 p.m. today on 14 Mile Road between Farmington and Drake, causing a loss of water pressure in the water distribution system (pressure below 20 psi).
Whenever a water system loses pressure for any significant length of time, precautionary measures are recommended since a loss of pressure can lead to bacterial contamination in the water system. Bacteria are generally not harmful and are common throughout our environment. Boiling water before using it will kill bacteria and other organisms that may be in the water.
GLWA is currently investigating the cause of the break. The Boil Water Advisory will remain in effect until results from sampling verify the water is safe to drink. GLWA Water Quality will advise the affected communities when the BOIL WATER ADVISORY has been lifted.
General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.
STORY: Boil water advisory issued for 12 communities in Oakland County due to water main break
MORE: