MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – A boil water advisory in effect for multiple Macomb County communities was lifted Thursday after two rounds of water testing showed the water is safe to drink.
On Tuesday, Aug. 1, a major water main break occurred on 24 Mile Road near North Avenue in Macomb Township. The Great Lakes Water Authority said a leak was discovered in the 36-inch water transmission main.
The water main break caused a drop in water pressure in the area, triggering a boil water notice for the following communities:
- Chesterfield Township
- Lenox Township
- Macomb Township
- New Haven
- City of Rochester (Rochester east, GLWA District only)
The advisory was issued because a change in pressure in the water system can lead to bacteria contamination. During the advisory, residents have been asked to use boiled water, or bottled water, for anything from drinking, to preparing food, to washing dishes, brushing teeth, making ice, and the like. Boiling water kills any bacteria that may be present.
The GLWA announced Thursday, Aug, 3, that the boil water advisory was lifted after samples showed the water is safe. Two rounds of samples were taken within the 48-hour period.
“All testing has confirmed that the water is safe to consume and cook with and meets all Safe Drinking Water Act regulations,” said GLWA CEO Suzanne Coffey. “I want to thank the residents of the five impacted communities, as well as our member partners, for their patience throughout this challenging situation and as we worked to fulfill our obligation to protect the public’s health.”
What to do when advisory ends
When a boil water advisory is lifted, customers are encouraged to take certain steps to flush out their pipes and clear their hot water tanks. Here are steps water customers should take, as written by the Great Lakes Water Authority:
Flush
- Unscrew and remove the faucet aerator (screen).
- Turn on each cold water faucet/tap slowly
- Turn on each cold water faucet/tap slowly.
- Clean and reinstall aerator.
- Flush automatic ice makers. Ice cubes made during the Boil Water Advisory should be emptied and the ice maker run through a 24-hour cycle. Make three batches of ice and discard them. The water line should be clear, and ice should be safe to consume with the fourth batch.
Clear hot water tanks/heaters
- Run hot water only at all faucets and flush until water runs cool or typically a minimum of
- 15 minutes for a typical household 40-gallon hot water tank.
- 30 minutes for a hot water tank greater than 40 gallons.
Replace filters
- Water filters, such as ones used in refrigerators, faucets, pitchers and under the sink, are not designed to remove the specific bacteria potentially present during a Boil Water Advisory. If you ran water through your filter during the Boil Water Advisory, the filter should be replaced.
- Remove and discard water filters.
- Replace with a new filter following flushing.
Checklist for residents