WAYNE COUNTY (WWJ) - Water authorities are continuing to warn thousands of residents in parts of Wayne County to not drink the water without boiling it first after the area experienced a water pressure drop on Friday.
While the issue was quickly identified and resolved, the Great Lakes Water Authority said possible bacterial contamination may have occurred in the water system and a Boil Water Advisory is still in effect for the City of Wayne and parts of Romulus, Westland and Inkster until the water is deemed safe to drink.
On Saturday afternoon, the first round of tests came back clear of bacteria, the GLWA announced, but guidelines set forth by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) requires the boil water advisory remain in effect until the second round of testing returns clear as well.
"A second round of test results will be returned on Sunday, and upon a second clear result, GLWA will lift the boil water advisory," the GLWA added.
Officials blamed an equipment malfunction after a power outage caused a loss of pressure in the lines that supply water. This immediate issues has been fixed and pressure and flow were quickly restored, but corrective measures regarding the drinking water are currently underway.
"GLWA is working closely with the communities and the team will be taking other remedial actions such as flushing and collecting bacteriological samples from around the system once the water has been restored," officials said in an update. "The samples will be collected to determine that the water quality meets all drinking water standards."
The GLWA said residents will be notified that their water is safe to use when tests do not show any bacteria. Officials estimate the Boil Water Advisory to be in place for roughly 48 hours after water has been restored.
According to authorities, bacteria is generally not harmful, but the boil water advisory was recommended as a precautionary measure.
Affected residents should bring all water to a boil and let it boil for one minute then let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and preparing food.
Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water, the GLWA said. Households should continue using boiled or bottled water until further notice.
For more information, please contact Great Lakes Water Authority System Control Center at 313 267-6000, systemcontrol@glwater.org. 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.